Apple delays CSAM-detection feature rollout on devices

Apple delayed the rollout of a tool to scan users’ photos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This was reported by 9to5Mac.

Apple said it postponed the deployment of CSAM-detection tools to “make improvements” after criticism. The company did not announce new release timelines for the tool.

“Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers and others, we have decided to allocate additional time in the coming months to gather information and implement improvements before releasing these critically important features for children’s safety,” said company representatives.

Apple did not share details of possible improvements. Earlier, the corporation planned to roll out CSAM-detection systems with updates to iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8 and macOS Monterey, due in the coming weeks.

Apple also planned to launch a content-scanning system in Messages to shield children from explicit images sent by strangers. Using machine learning, the app could analyze attached photos and determine whether they are sexually explicit. Apple says it will not access messages, and the algorithm will process images directly on the device.

Additionally, Siri and built-in search features in iOS and macOS will direct users to relevant resources when someone asks how to report CSAM or tries to search for illegal content.

In August, Apple described the tool for scanning users’ photos for child abuse.

Four days later the company published a six-page document with answers to questions about how the technology works, and also promised not to turn it into a surveillance tool.

In August, more than 90 human rights groups from around the world urged Apple not to use the mass photo-scanning feature.

In mid-August, a researcher found a vulnerability in the controversial tool, and also discovered the presence of code for the CSAM-detection feature in iOS 14.3.

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