Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 7 hrs ago
Apple to check public iCloud links for harmful content
Apple says it will check iCloud content shared with anyone who has the link when its 27.3 software updates arrive.
The checks apply to photos and files shared through public links, not content shared only with selected people.
Apple has not defined what it considers harmful content or explained how it will identify it.
Publicly linked content is not end-to-end encrypted, even if the account uses Advanced Data Protection.
Apple says it may remove flagged content or disable accounts associated with it.
It may also contact law enforcement if necessary.
The updates are in developer beta, with a public release expected in December 2026.
Apple will check content shared through public iCloud links for harmful content in its version 27.3 software updates.
The checks apply to photos and files shared using the “Anyone with the Link” option, not links limited to chosen people.
Apple has not defined harmful content or explained how it will carry out the checks.
Apple says it may remove or change flagged content, disable accounts, or involve law enforcement if necessary.
Content shared through public links is not end-to-end encrypted, even when Advanced Data Protection is enabled.
- Who
- Apple will check the content; people sharing it through public iCloud links may be affected.
- What
- Apple will check public iCloud links for harmful content and may remove flagged content or take action against related accounts.
- When
- Starting with version 27.3 of Apple’s operating systems. A public release is expected in December 2026.
- Where
- iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive, across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
- Why
- Apple says the checks are for harmful content. It has not defined that term.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Apple published a support page describing checks for content shared through public iCloud links.
Version 27.3 developer betas were available for Apple’s operating systems.
A public release of the software updates is expected.
- Software version
- 27.3
- Affected systems
- iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS
- Public-link setting
- Anyone with the Link
- Public release
- Expected in December 2026
- Encryption
- Public-link content is not end-to-end encrypted, even with Advanced Data Protection enabled
4 sources
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