Apple has defended its new algorithm that scans users’ iCloud storage for sexually explicit images of minors (CSAM). Apple was attacked by customers and privacy advocates for this new system.
The new system and algorithm that apple will us will search for the Child Sexual Abuse material before the image is uploaded to the iCloud storage.
What Did Apple Say?
Critics warn that it could be a “back door” for public spying, and more than 5,000 people and organizations have signed an open letter against the implementation of this new tech.
As a result, Apple has promised not to “expand” the system for any reason.
Digital privacy advocates have warned last week that authoritarian governments could use this technology to strengthen anti-LGBT regimes, or attack political opposition parties in countries where protests are considered illegal.
But Apple said it would “not comply with any world’s government’s request to expand” the program.
Explaination
It has published a questionnaire and answers, saying it has many ways to protect its users from being scanned for anything other than child pornography and explicit images.
“We have faced demands to build and deploy government-mandated changes that degrade the privacy of users before, and have steadfastly refused those demands. We will continue to refuse them in the future,” it said.
However, Apple has made some concessions in the past to continue operating in countries around the world.
On the eve of New Year in 2020, the tech giant removed 39,000 applications from its Chinese app store during a campaign against unauthorized game developers by regulators in the country.
Apple also stated that its anti-CSAM tool will not allow a company to view or scan a user’s photo album. It will only scan shared photos on iCloud.
The New System
The program will look for similarities, securely on the device, based on a database of well-known CSAM images provided by child safety organizations.
Apple also said it was almost impossible to falsely report innocent people to the police.
“The probability that this program will improperly mark any given account is less than one in 1 trillion in a year,” it said. There are also personal reviews being done after the system identifies a CSAM.
Apple also provided reassurances regarding another new feature that will warn children and their parents using linked family accounts, when sexually explicit photos are sent or received.
