Apple to Check Shared iCloud Links for Harmful Content in iOS 27.3
Starting with iOS 27.3, iCloud items shared via "Anyone with the Link" will be accessible to Apple for harmful-content checks and will lose end-to-end encryption.
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giftdetect· the right gift in minutesApple will begin checking iCloud items shared through public links for "harmful content" starting with iOS 27.3 and the other 27.3 platform updates, according to a company support document.
The document states: "When you share an item that can be accessed by Anyone with the Link in version 27.3 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS, that content is made accessible to Apple to check for harmful content." Items shared with the "Anyone with the Link" permission will also no longer be end-to-end encrypted.
What is unclear
Apple's document does not define what counts as "harmful content." The change follows calls from protestors for Apple to do more against child sexual abuse material stored in iCloud, though the document itself does not tie the policy to a specific cause.
The company says it "reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove, or delete" any harmful content a user tries to upload. Apple may also block or disable accounts, prevent a user from creating a new account, or, "if necessary," involve law enforcement.
What it means for users
The practical effect is limited to items shared with open link access. Anyone who relies on iCloud sharing for sensitive files should know that public links will now trade encryption for accessibility on Apple's side. The support document does not describe how the checks work or how Apple will handle disputes.
Apple released the first 27.3 developer betas on Tuesday and has said it plans to ship iOS 27.3 to the public in December.
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