Apple delays launch of child abuse detection tools UK News

Apple will delay the launch of new tools created to detect child pornography (CSAM).

He says he wants to take more time to “make improvements” after privacy concerns are raised.

The tech company had announced plans to introduce new systems that can detect CSAM if a user tries to upload it to iCloud and report it to authorities.

Apple has stated that this process will be done in a secure manner and will not regularly scan a user’s camera roll.

However, it has received criticism from privacy activists, with some suggesting the technology could be hijacked by authoritarian governments to search for other types of images – which Apple said. he would not allow.

But the tech giant has now confirmed it is delaying the rollout following comments from a number of groups.

In a statement, the company said, “Last month we announced plans for features to help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and to limit the spread. child pornography material.

“Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers and others, we have decided to take more time over the next few months to gather feedback and make improvements before releasing these features of child safety of critical importance. ”

How does the system work?

The system works by searching for image matches based on a database of “hashes” – a type of digital fingerprint – of known CASM images provided by child safety organizations.

This is done safely on a device when a user attempts to upload images to their Photo Library in iCloud.

Another feature to guard against this problem is built into the Messages app, which notifies children and their parents using linked family accounts when sexually explicit photos are sent or received,

These images are hidden and receive on-screen alerts. Additionally, new guidelines in Siri and Search will direct users to helpful resources when performing CSAM-related searches.

Apple said the two features are not the same and do not use the same technology, adding that it will “never” have access to communications due to improvements in messaging.