Apple to Scan Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting With Version 27.3
Summary
Apple says iCloud Photos and Drive items shared with “Anyone with the Link” will be checked for harmful content starting with version 27.3 updates. Sharing this way disables end-to-end encryption, even with Advanced Data Protection enabled.
Key points
- Apple plans to check iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive items shared through “Anyone with the Link” starting with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS version 27.3.
- Apple says making an item accessible to anyone with its link also makes it accessible to Apple.
- Sharing this way disables end-to-end encryption, even when Advanced Data Protection is enabled.
- Apple may remove harmful content and take action against accounts, including disabling accounts or involving law enforcement.
- The article says it is unclear what Apple defines as harmful content or whether checks will apply to existing links.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Apple plans to scan publicly shared iCloud content for harmful material
- Impact
- Starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3, Apple says items shared through “Anyone with the Link” will be checked for harmful content. Sharing this way disables end-to-end encryption for the item, even when Advanced Data Protection is enabled. Apple says it may remove harmful content, restrict or disable an Apple Account, prevent creation of another account using the associated email address or phone number, or involve law enforcement. The article says Apple has not clarified what it considers harmful content or whether checks will apply retroactively or to links created before the updates roll out.
Vendors
Products
Advanced Data ProtectionLink disables end-to-end encryption (E2EE), even if the owner or the recipients have turned on Advanced Data Protection, an optional setting that secures iCloud Backup, Photos, and Notes using E2EE.iCloudApple has revealed that it plans to start checking public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.iCloud DriveThe change specifically applies to scenarios where users share iCloud content, such as photos in iCloud Photos or files in iCloud Drive, by sharing a link and making it accessible to "Anyone with the link."iCloud PhotosThe change specifically applies to scenarios where users share iCloud content, such as photos in iCloud Photos or files in iCloud Drive, by sharing a link and making it accessible to "Anyone with the link."iOSApple has revealed that it plans to start checking public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.iPadOSApple has revealed that it plans to start checking public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.macOSApple has revealed that it plans to start checking public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.visionOSApple has revealed that it plans to start checking public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.