Why Apple dropped CSAM scanning

Apple finally explains why it shelved controversial plan.

Author

Leander Kahney
September 01, 2023

Back in 2021, Apple proposed scanning photo libraries uploaded to iCloud for suspected child abuse images.

The announcement was greeted with outrage, and the company backed down.

Then, in late 2022, Apple instead went the opposite direction by enabling users to encrypt pictures stored in iCloud Photos.

Why the about-face? Apple never explained — until now.

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple explains why it dropped controversial plan to scan iCloud Photos for CSAM

Apple finally offers a more complete explanation of why it canceled a plan to scan iCloud Photos libraries for child sexual abuse material.

Roguish Tim Cook stars in ‘Grand Theft Auto Cupertino’ wallpaper

Basic Apple Guy's new Apple/GTA mashup wallpapers are available for free download.

A pair of 2017 MacBook Pro models slide onto Apple's vintage list

Two of the MacBook Pro models that launched back in 2017 just got a bit harder to get repaired.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Latch onto dazzling Labor Day deals on Apple accessories

Labor Day weekend is here, and you've worked hard for a living. Why not reward yourself with some great tech deals?

Raft of new Anker Qi2 chargers joins MagSafe-for-all parade

New and updated products include MagGo magnetic chargers, power stations and banks with Qi2, plus updated USB-C Nano chargers and more.

Belkin goes cutting edge with some of the first Qi2 wireless chargers

Qi2 is the future of wireless chargers and Belkin is already on board with a pair of accessories that use the emerging standard.

A message from CdkeySales

Prep for school with deep discounts on crucial Microsoft software: Windows 10/11 Pro only $16 at CdkeySales

See our special links for the best deals CdkeySales offers on Microsoft Windows and Office. (Use code CULT for additional savings.) And don't worry, activation is easy.

Apple Watch Series 8 drops to near its all-time low price

Now is the time to buy the Apple Watch Series 8, with Amazon knocking $90 off the MSRP for both 41mm and 45mm variants.

Today in Apple history: Ping social network fails to strike a chord

On September 1, 2010, Apple's new music-focused social network shipped as part of iTunes 10. It was doomed from the start.

‘Samba de Amigo’ dances onto Apple Arcade

Shake to the rhythm of the beat in the revival of Sega’s "Samba de Amigo: Party-to-Go," a music game now on Apple Arcade.

Bright and beautiful Mac Studio rig gets a lot right [Setups]

A Mac Studio setup can exude a zen-like calm despite being a total powerhouse, like today's well-equipped workstation does.

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

We sat on the patio outside [Bob Dylan’s] room and talked for two hours. I was really nervous, because he was one of my heroes. And I was also afraid that he wouldn’t be really smart anymore, that he’d be a caricature of himself, like happens to a lot of people. But I was delighted. He was as sharp as a tack. He was everything I’d hoped. He was really open and honest. He was just telling me about his life and about writing his songs. He said, “They just came through me, it wasn’t like I was having to compose them. That doesn’t happen anymore, I just can’t write them that way anymore.” Then he paused and said to me with his raspy voice and little smile, “But I still can sing them.”

— Steve Jobs on meeting Bob Dylan, 2011.

Today’s poll

Should Apple have implemented CSAM scanning?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: What’s your favorite avenue for discovering new music?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

Reply

or to participate.