Enhanced protection for both children and adults coming with iOS 17, ensuring privacy and safety.
Cupertino, CA — In a groundbreaking move to prioritize user safety and privacy, Apple announced the expansion of its Communication Safety feature during the WWDC event on Monday. Originally designed to shield children from viewing explicit images over iMessage, the feature will now encompass adult users as well as additional communication methods and video content. This update, set to debut with the release of iOS 17 later this year, aims to provide comprehensive protection while maintaining utmost privacy, with all image and video processing taking place directly on the user’s device.
Expanded Safeguards Against Inappropriate Content
Apple’s Communication Safety in Messages, a cutting-edge feature utilizing on-device machine learning, will automatically blur nude images in iMessages before they can be accessed by children. With the forthcoming iOS 17 update, this safeguarding mechanism will be extended to cover a wider range of communication methods, including AirDrop, new Contact Posters, FaceTime messages, and browsing the image library using Photo Picker. Moreover, the enhanced feature will employ advanced scanning techniques to detect nudity in video content. Although it remains uncertain whether this extended protection will also apply to live video content, such as FaceTime video calls, Apple has been reached out to for clarification.
Empowering Families with Opt-In Safety Measures
Currently, the Communication Safety tool is an opt-in feature integrated within Apple’s existing Family Sharing system. It can solely be applied to iMessages until the arrival of iOS 17 in the fall. Once enabled, the feature proactively identifies if a child is sending or receiving images that may contain nudity, issuing a warning and blurring the photograph before it is viewed on the minor’s device. In addition, children are presented with helpful resources and the option to message a trusted adult for further support, promoting a safe and open environment for family communication.
Comprehensive Protection for Users of All Ages
Notably, iOS 17 will introduce a new feature called “Sensitive Content Warning,” ensuring users of any age receive similar protection from unsolicited nude content. This feature will alert users if an image or video they receive contains nudity. A pop-up message will be displayed, flagging the content and offering users the choice to proceed or not. Accompanied by reassuring language and practical guidance, such as “It’s not your fault, but naked photos and videos can be used to hurt you,” this feature aims to empower users and promote their well-being.
Apple’s dedication to privacy and safety is evident in its ongoing efforts to provide robust protection against inappropriate content. By expanding the Communication Safety feature to encompass adult users and diverse communication methods, Apple is taking significant strides towards creating a safer digital space for its users. With iOS 17, Apple demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that all users, regardless of age, can enjoy a secure and private experience while staying protected from potentially harmful content.
