Apple to Scan iCloud Photos and Files Shared via Public Links Starting with iOS 27.3
Apple will start scanning photos and files stored in iCloud when they are shared through public links. The company confirmed that this capability will be introduced in iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.
Under the new policy, any content shared with a public link becomes subject to automated checks for malicious materials. Users who generate a link allowing access to anyone with the URL are effectively granting Apple permission to review that specific content.
The scanning targets files and photos uploaded to iCloud that are distributed via shareable links. This approach differs from end-to-end encrypted storage, as public link sharing removes the private boundary for the shared item.
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