Apple Has Been Scanning For CSAM Since At Least 2019

Not too long ago, Apple announced that they would be introducing a CSAM scanning photo feature for iCloud Photos. While it’s a good thing that Apple is using its influence and reach to try and stem such activities, many feel that the potential for the system to be abused by governments for non-CSAM related materials is there.

There are also some who feel that even though they have nothing to hide, it still feels like an invasion of privacy anyway. However, it should be noted that this wouldn’t be Apple’s first CSAM scanning rodeo. According to an exclusive by 9to5Mac, Apple confirmed to the publication that they have actually been scanning iCloud Mails for CSAM content since at least 2019.

According to an archived version of Apple’s child safety page, it actually states, “We have developed robust protections at all levels of our software platform and throughout our supply chain. As part of this commitment, Apple uses image matching technology to help find and report child exploitation. Much like spam filters in email, our systems use electronic signatures to find suspected child exploitation.”

As 9to5Mac notes, emails are not encrypted so for Apple to scan emails as it passes through their servers isn’t that difficult. So if you are concerned about this upcoming feature, know that Apple has already done this, to some degree, before.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, General
Tags: icloud, Legal, Privacy