Last year, Apple announced a feature to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in iCloud photos. While the CSAM detection feature was found useful, it also sparked great controversy over privacy. As a matter of fact, according to a statement in the US press, there was a surprise development about Apple’s CSAM detection feature.
Apple recently announced some features to prevent child sexual abuse. One of these features was a system for scanning CSAM images stored in iCloud Photos. Thus, criminals hiding CSAM images in iCloud photos could be easily detected. This feature has not been made available until now, even causing a lot of discussion about privacy. It seems that Apple has also made an important decision in this regard.
DECISION TO WAIT FROM APPLE WITH CONTRACTUAL FEATURE
Apple had pledged that the CSAM scanning system was “designed with user privacy in mind.”
Apple initially said that CSAM detection will be implemented in the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 update by the end of 2021. But the company ultimately delayed the feature based on “feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers, and others.” Apple has now completely abandoned CSAM scanning plans.
“After extensive consultation with experts to gather feedback on the child protection initiatives we proposed last year, we are deepening our investment in the Communications Security feature, which we first launched in December 2021,” the company said in a statement. We’ve decided not to use our CSAM detection tool, which we previously recommended for iCloud Photos. Children can be protected from companies scanning personal data, and we will continue to work with governments, child advocates and other companies to help protect young people, protect their privacy rights and make the internet a safer place for children and all of us. ” said.
According to a statement shared with WIRED, Apple has abandoned its controversial plan to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) stored in iCloud Photos.
Apple initially said that CSAM detection will be implemented in the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 update by the end of 2021. But the company ultimately delayed the feature based on “feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers, and others.” Apple has now completely abandoned CSAM scanning plans.
