Apple has delayed its CSAM-scanning policies for months, meaning it may not come out until later in 2021 or 2022.
Apple announced a new Child Safety policy to automatically scan user photos for child sexual assault material (CSAM) last month, spurring an outcry from privacy advocates and consumers about privacy rights violations and potential government exploitation. Now Apple is delaying the rollout of the tech to solicit feedback ‘over the coming months’ before its full release. Apple previously planned to include its CSAM-scanning tech and an accompanying optional policy to screen sexual content in iMessages for youth in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, which are expected to launch alongside the iPhone 13 (rumored to be unveiled on September 14). It would have gone live in the US, with no stated plans for a global rollout. iHere’s Apple’s full statement on the delay, per TechCrunch: “Last month we announced plans for features intended to help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers and others, we have decided to take additional time over the coming months to collect input and make improvements before releasing these critically important child safety features.” Shortly after introducing the new policies in early August via a blog post, Apple followed up with a multi-page FAQ giving detailed explanations about how both the CSAM scanning and youth iMessage screening would work.
