Apple to Scan Shared iCloud Links for Harmful Content
AI-generated image · US National Wire
New updates to iOS and other operating systems will remove end-to-end encryption for items shared via public links.
Apple will begin scanning iCloud items for “harmful content” when users make those items accessible to anyone with a link, according to reporting from The Verge. This change is set to arrive with iOS 27.3 and corresponding updates for iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
As reported by The Verge, a support document first highlighted by 9to5Mac states that content shared with “Anyone with the Link” permissions will no longer be end-to-end encrypted, making it accessible to Apple for review. While Apple's documentation does not provide a specific definition for “harmful content,” The Verge notes the move follows demands from protestors for the company to address child sexual abuse material stored in iCloud.
Apple asserts it maintains the right to delete, modify, remove, or refuse any content it deems harmful. Furthermore, the company may block accounts, prevent the creation of new accounts, or contact law enforcement if deemed necessary. Apple released the first 27.3 developer betas recently and intends to launch iOS 27.3 in December.