Apple makes every effort to ensure the security and privacy of its users with the latest iOS updates. The company also wants to take further steps to ensure the protection of children using their smartphones.
In addition, the company wants to convince parents that iOS devices are safe for children. With the release of iOS 15.2, the company will take a bold step in this direction. The iPhone will be able to detect if an iPhone or iPad user receives or sends a text with sexually explicit photos.
Back in August, Apple announced that it would update the iPhone Messages app to detect sexually explicit photos. This Tuesday, the feature launched in iOS 15.2 Developer Beta 2. When the feature is fully available, a child who receives such a photo in the Messages app on an iPhone or iPad will see a blurry image. If a child tries to view it, they will receive a warning asking: "Are you sure?".
A warning message ensures that the child understands everything. It says: "Photos and videos show private parts of the body that you cover with bathing suits." If the child then views the image, their parents will receive a notification. I wonder if the same thing will happen if a child tries to send photos of an overtly sexual nature. The child will be warned before the photo link, and parents will receive a message if the child still decides to send it.
By default, the feature is disabled. However, parents or guardians will be able to turn it on.
Apple will scan photos stored on iPhones and iCloud accounts for child abuse
Interestingly, a few days ago there was a report that Apple plans to scan photos stored on iPhones and iCloud accounts. The goal is to find images that involve child abuse. These efforts will aid law enforcement in investigations and allow government agencies to gain ambiguous access to user data. It's worth noting that the new policy to protect children from sexually explicit content does not appear to be part of this new policy.
We are particularly interested to see how this situation will escalate. As for the "child protection" goal anyway, it's nice to see a big company making some effort to make their software safer.
