Apple to Scan Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content in iOS 27.3

What is covered, and what is not

The option turns a photo from iCloud Photos or a file from iCloud Drive into an open link that anyone can view without an invitation or an account. Apple states plainly that such content is accessible to anyone with the address, "including Apple". The beta also adds a new warning when you create such a link, still shown in English in this first build.

The page also notes that an item shared this way is "no longer end-to-end encrypted, even if the owner or participants have enabled Advanced Data Protection". That rule predates the update. Sharing restricted to "people you choose", by invitation or approval, and sending a copy of a file fall outside the described scope.

Sanctions and open questions

Apple says it may "move, reject, edit, remove or delete content at any time". Penalties can extend to blocking or disabling the account, with a ban on opening a new one using the same email address or phone number. Law enforcement may be contacted "if necessary". The page describes no notification to the owner and no appeal process.

The word "harmful" is not defined. The page names no categories, no review method, whether human or automated, and does not say what happens to links created before the update. Apple has not clarified anything since publication. iCloud terms already prohibited illegal content, but the page now announces a formal check.

The move recalls Apple's 2021 plan to detect child sexual abuse imagery in iCloud photo libraries, which it dropped on 7 December 2022 under pressure from privacy advocates. A class action seeking up to $32.8 billion had faulted the company for inaction; a federal judge dismissed it in July under Section 230. This time, inspection is limited to public shares.