Apple’s iOS 15.2 is close to launching and at least one photo-centric child protection feature is included: nudity detection for photos sent in texts. Other safety features are still on hold.
In August, Apple announced that it was planning to implement a software feature that would scan iPhone photo libraries in order to protect children. Almost immediately, the company faced significant backlash, with many privacy experts citing the possibility that the technology could be abused. Apple attempted to quell these fears, but eventually relented to pressure and postponed its plans in early September.
“Postponed” appears to have been an accurate description of the company’s plans, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the company will launch at least part of those previous features in iOS 15.2: nudity detection in the Messages app for devices used by children and a few additional privacy controls. The Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) detection that was at the base of the public pushback is still not part of this rollout and it’s not clear when or if that is coming.
Gurman describes the nudity detection feature as a setting that exists just for devices that are in the possession of children, which includes iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. The software will analyze incoming and outgoing images received and sent through the Messages app to detect nudity, and if one is found it will appear blurred. The child will be warned before viewing it, and if the child attempts to send a nude photo, they will also be warned. It still sounds like the photo can be seen and sent, though.
Of note, the system will only work if it is enabled on a family-sharing account, and while the child will be able to contact a parent through the Messages app regarding the situation, it isn’t required nor will it happen automatically. Gurman notes that this is a major change from what was originally announced earlier this year.
Apple will also launch a privacy report which shows what was accessed by a users’s apps, such as location, camera, and microphone. The company is also allowing a “hide my email” feature which allows users to send emails from a random address if they have an iCloud subscription.
Digital ID cards and the much anticipated Universal Control are still missing, however.
Image credits: Header image by Apple via Bloomberg.
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