GoKawiilApple to scan public iCloud links for harmful content starting iOS 27.3
Apple announced it will begin monitoring iCloud links shared with the "Anyone with the Link" setting, starting in iOS 27.3. The company says it may remove flagged content, disable accounts, block new account creation tied to the same email or phone number, and involve law enforcement for violations of its harmful content policy. Links restricted to specific approved people remain end-to-end encrypted and are not subject to this scanning.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Because public links lose end-to-end encryption, Apple gains visibility it doesn't have for private shares, which could let it catch illegal material like CSAM but also raises privacy concerns given Apple hasn't defined what counts as "harmful content." The lack of a specific appeals process for this policy, despite a general Apple appeals page existing, suggests users wrongly flagged may face an unclear path to recourse.
- iOS 27.3 will let Apple monitor publicly shared iCloud links for harmful content.
- Only links set to "Anyone with the Link" are affected; privately shared links stay encrypted.
- Apple can disable accounts, block new sign-ups, and contact law enforcement, but hasn't defined "harmful content" or detailed an appeals process.
Source: zdnet.com — Taylor Clemons, 2026-11-06
Published there as: “Apple will monitor your public iCloud links now, starting with iOS 27.3”
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