Apple to Scan Publicly Linked iCloud Photos and Files Starting in Version 27.3
Cybersecurity and privacy
Apple announced that starting with version 27.3 across its OS platforms, it will scan iCloud photos and files shared via 'Anyone with the Link' for harmful content. Such publicly shared data is not protected by end-to-end encryption even with Advanced Data Protection enabled.
Apple announced on November 3 that beginning with version 27.3 of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS, it will inspect iCloud content shared via 'Anyone with the Link' for harmful content, covering iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive files. Apple explained that with this sharing method, anyone with the link as well as Apple can access the files; thus, the data is not covered by end-to-end encryption even if Advanced Data Protection is activated. If harmful content is identified, Apple stated it may reject uploads, delete materials, suspend accounts, or alert law enforcement. Reports note that definitions of harmful content and retroactive applicability to existing links remain unclarified.
Key takeaways
- Apple will scan iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive files shared via 'Anyone with the Link' starting in version 27.3 across operating systems.
- Publicly shared links are not protected by end-to-end encryption even if Advanced Data Protection is enabled, allowing Apple access.
- Violations may lead to rejected uploads, content deletion, account bans or suspension, and notification of law enforcement.
- Reports note that Apple has not clearly defined harmful content or clarified whether the rule applies retroactively to existing links.
Source：iThome Read the original ↗
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