Apple postpones deployment of controversial child safety features to make improvements

By: Yuriy Stanislavskiy | 03.09.2021, 18:10
Apple postpones deployment of controversial child safety features to make improvements

Apple announced today that it is delaying the implementation of the child safety features it announced last month after receiving negative feedback.

The planned features include scanning users' iCloud Photos libraries for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), a Communication Safety feature to alert children and their parents about receiving or sending sexually explicit photos, and expanded CSAM recommendations in Siri and Search. 

Apple confirmed that feedback from customers, nonprofit and advocacy groups, researchers, and others about the company's plans caused the delay. The company needs time to make improvements.

The child safety feature set was originally set to debut in the US with the iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8 and macOS Monterey updates. Now it's unclear when Apple plans to release the "critical" features, but it looks like it has no plans to give up on its intentions.

Source: 9to5mac