Apple to Delay iPhone Update That Could Scan Device for Illegal Content

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: The Wall Street Journal.

TECH | CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY

Apple to Delay iPhone Update That Could Scan Device for Illegal Content

Tech giant says it will take more time to collect input and make improvements before releasing feature

By Joanna Stern and Tim Higgins
https://twitter.com/JoannaStern
[e-mail]
https://twitter.com/timkhiggins
[e-mail]
Updated Sept. 3, 2021 12:10 pm ET

Apple Inc. is delaying the rollout of tools aimed at combating child pornography on iPhones after sparking concern among privacy advocates that the software could create broader risks for users.

The Cupertino, Calif., tech giant said Friday it would take additional time to make improvements on the plan announced last month—the second time in a year that it has delayed a new privacy feature after an outcry from critics over the potential ramifications.

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Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-to-delay-iphone-update-that-could-scan-device-for-illegal-content-11630676309

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Apple is delaying the rollout of tools aimed at combating child pornography on iPhones after sparking concern among privacy advocates that the software could create broader risks for users

Link to tweet

[getagrip_already]

1. It doesn't work the way the media is saying... it isn't child porn specific....

The media is saying it compares the hash of images against known child porn images, which is kaka.

What they are doing is to use powerful AI algorithms to analyze all of the images on a phone, and then send an encrypted set of metadata back to apple with reults.

The routines can detect images of men, woman, children, animals etc. But it also puts them into context such as "Female, suggestive pose, underwear or bikini". It can also analyze in context of "couple, naked, sex act". Suppose they supply Saudi Arabia with hits on "Male Couple, sex act, naked"?

It can upload any image that meets their criteria without you knowing. They are not a government agency. They are not following any government mandates. They are not being transparent about the criteria they are using to analyze images or who will have access to any images uploaded. They only say they will notify LE after review.

Sure, I trust them, completely... NOT!

[NurseJackie]

5. They have tarnished their own reputation. No matter what they say or decide in the future...

... it will always be doubted.

[displacedtexan]

6. Facebook flagged a professional photo of my newborn granddaughter in a basket

and placed a bar across her bare chest on my daughter's Facebook page. It was both embarrassing and humiliating.
Also, my iPad (Chrome) warns me if any of my passwords have been part of one of those major personal info thefts: Settings>Passwords.
I currently have 7 that have to be changed.
Who's completely certain that the Google and future Apple algorithms are trustworthy? If you answer yes, I hope you've got $125k for a cyber forensic investigation of your images. That's what some guy in Oregon is facing in addition to defense attorneys' fees after being accused of having "child porn" on his computer.

[LiberalFighter]

10. Facebook is run by idiots.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

2. Too many eyes on this.

I predict they will wait for the noise to quiet down before implementing quietly.

[Ron Obvious]

4. The phone I buy should work for me. End of.

I have this with a lot of modern technology: I want it to do what I want it to do, and nothing that I don't want it to do.

This should be self-evident and not raise flags.

[Demsrule86]

7. Ah Bullshit...looking for illegally downloaded music and videos I bet...I think I will go back to

Android.

[cstanleytech]

8. Bought my first ever iphone this year (iphone max 12 pro) and if they do this it will

also be my last as this sounds to much like taking the first step down a very slippery slope that they are on and its one I would not be willing to follow them on.

[LiberalFighter]

9. I made this statement about this to a online media Facebook group

Private companies should only be doing this with their property. Not their customers.
Law enforcement have the tools to identify the perverts on their own. When they do have probable cause then they can use outside resources and get a warrant. In all likelihood iPhone will make mistakes that will harm innocent people.

[dalton99a]

11. There is every reason for people to be suspicious of Apple's motive

Why put in a backdoor on a user's phone when they have been scanning everything on their iCloud since 2019?