Files shared publicly through iCloud face Apple screening from iOS 27.3
From iOS 27.3 and macOS 27.3, Apple will check photos and files shared with the anyone-with-the-link option; the company does not say what counts as harmful.
Apple has announced in a support document that it will check content shared through a public iCloud link for harmful material. The change comes with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3 and visionOS 27.3, 9to5Mac reports. It covers photos from iCloud Photos and files from iCloud Drive shared with the anyone-with-the-link option. Links limited to invited people are not included, MacRumors writes.
Apple does not define what it means by harmful content. MacRumors suggests it may cover malware and child sexual abuse material, given the reference to law enforcement. Apple reserves the right to move, refuse or remove such content, and can also block the Apple Account, prevent new accounts with the same email address or phone number and involve the police if necessary.
iPhone in Canada points out that publicly shared content is no longer end-to-end encrypted, even for those who have turned on Advanced Data Protection, and that not all features will be available in every country. It is unclear whether links created before the update will also be checked. The 27.3 versions are in developer beta; MacRumors expects the public release in December.