Apple to Scan Public iCloud Links for 'Harmful Content'
Apple will begin scanning publicly shared iCloud links for "harmful content" in upcoming OS versions, disabling end-to-end encryption for these shared items.
Apple has announced plans to implement scanning of publicly shared iCloud links for "harmful content" in upcoming versions of its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS 27.3. This new policy specifically targets content shared via "Anyone with the Link" options, a feature that inherently disables end-to-end encryption for the shared items.
According to a support page published by Apple, "Items shared using Anyone with the Link will be checked by Apple for harmful content." The company has not provided a clear definition of what constitutes "harmful content," leaving users uncertain about the scope of this new moderation. This lack of definition raises concerns about potential overreach and the arbitrary removal of content.
The implications for users are significant. When content is shared using the "Anyone with the Link" feature, it bypasses the end-to-end encryption that might otherwise be active for an account, even if Apple's optional Advanced Data Protection is enabled. This means Apple itself will have the ability to access and review the content.
Apple reserves the right to take several actions if "harmful content" is detected. These actions include moving, refusing, modifying, removing, or deleting the content. Furthermore, the company may block or disable accounts associated with the distribution of such content. In certain circumstances, Apple also stated it reserves the right to involve law enforcement, suggesting that the undefined category could encompass illegal material.
The mechanism for this scanning remains unclear. Apple has not specified whether the checks will be performed by human moderators, automated systems, or a combination of both. This ambiguity is particularly concerning given the potential for AI systems to misinterpret content or make erroneous moderation decisions.
The implementation of these scanning capabilities is slated for version 27.3 of Apple's operating systems, which have been released to developers in beta. A general release is anticipated in December. Apple did not respond to requests for comment regarding this new policy.
This move by Apple could have broad implications for user privacy and data sharing. The ability for Apple to monitor content shared via public links, coupled with an undefined standard for "harmful content," may lead to increased user apprehension about utilizing iCloud's sharing features. The company's stance on content moderation and its potential impact on user data are likely to be subjects of ongoing scrutiny.