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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1401427
Apple's Messages App Will Soon Tell Parents If Their Kids Receive Inappropriate Photos BY JESSE HOLLINGTON Alongside a controversial new policy that will soon have your iPhone scanning iCloud uploads for child abuse imagery, Apple announced two other initiatives geared at keeping kids safe online, both of which are of more practical interest for families with young children. While Apple’s CSAM Detection happens entirely in the background, and is therefore something that we hope you never actually become aware of, a new communication safety feature in Apple’s Messages app will keep an eye on younger children and pre-teens to protect them from sexually explicit images. The feature will likely arrive in a point release of iOS 15 and the rest of Apple’s major OS updates later this year, and will algorithmically scan incoming photos in Messages to identify ones that may be sensitive or harmful to children. If a child receives a photo that’s flagged as such, it will be blurred out, and an age-appropriate warning will be shown, offering helpful resources and reassuring the youngster that it’s okay if they don’t want to look at the photo. For example, the warning notes that “Sensitive photos and videos show the private body parts that you cover with bathing suits,” while reassuring the child that it’s not their fault if they received such a photo, and even adds that it could have been sent without the person knowing. The child will still have the option of viewing the photo by tapping “I’m Sure,” but in this case, they’ll be presented with a second screen to let them know that if they do decide to proceed, their parents will be informed of this “to make sure you’re OK.” It’s your choice, but your parents want to know you’re safe. The screens also advise children to not share anything they don’t want to, talk to someone they trust if they feel pressured, and let them know that they’re not alone, while providing a link to some online resources if they need additional help or support. A similar set of messages will also appear if a child attempts to send a sexually explicit photo or video. The child will be warned before the content is sent, and if they do decide to send it out, the parents will be notified.