Apple's Internal Memo Acknowledges 'Misunderstandings' About Its New Photo Screening Features: Report

Apple announced new features under its Expanded Protections for Children plan that raised some privacy concerns.

By Vineet Washington | Updated: 7 August 2021 16:25 IST

Apple's Internal Memo Acknowledges 'Misunderstandings' About Its New Photo Screening Features: Report

Photo Credit: Pexels

Apple will scan user images before they are uploaded to iCloud

Highlights

Apple will reportedly explain features in detail in the future
The company allegedly got a message from NCMEC encouraging its efforts
Edward Snowden criticised Apple’s decision of screening images

Apple reportedly shared a memo internally acknowledging the “misunderstandings” around the new features aimed at protecting children. It also emphasised that these features are important for keeping children safe. The Cupertino tech giant recently announced it will implement a system that checks photos on iPhone devices in the United States before they are uploaded to its iCloud storage. The company also faced some backlash for this decision and its potential implications in terms of user privacy.

A new range of features dubbed Expanded Protections for Children were announced by Apple recently. These include monitoring user images for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) content. It plans to do so by screening photos on iPhone devices in the United States before they are uploaded to iCloud storage. This feature raised some concerns about user privacy and received backlash from Edward Snowden on Twitter and other platforms.

Apple reportedly shared an internal memo that was obtained by 9to5Mac and it acknowledges what Apple calls “misunderstandings” about the new features. The alleged memo written by Sebastien Marineau-Mes, VP Software at Apple, reads:

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“Today marks the official public unveiling of Expanded Protections for Children, and I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for all of your hard work over the last few years. We would not have reached this milestone without your tireless dedication and resiliency.” It goes on to say, “We've seen many positive responses today. We know some people have misunderstandings, and more than a few are worried about the implications, but we will continue to explain and detail the features so people understand what we've built.”

The memo also comes with a message from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) Executive Director of Strategic Advancement and Partnerships, Marita Rodriguez, that lauds Apple's new features aimed at child safety. “I wanted to share a note of encouragement to say that everyone at NCMEC is SO PROUD of each of you and the incredible decisions you have made in the name of prioritizing child protection,” the message reportedly reads.

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Apple recently stated that it will roll out the system for checking photos for child abuse imagery on a country-by-country basis complying with the local laws.

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Further reading: Apple, iCloud, Expanded Protections for Children, Child Sexual Abuse Material, CSAM, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, NCMEC