Various news outlets including 9to5Mac, MacRumors, AppleInsider among others are reporting that Apple has backed down from rolling out their CSAM scanning feature. Apple had this to say to 9to5Mac:
“Last month we announced plans for features intended to help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers and others, we have decided to take additional time over the coming months to collect input and make improvements before releasing these critically important child safety features.”
I have to admit that I didn’t expect Apple to back down. Even though I said that they should. Hopefully Apple does really listen to its critics and come up with something that is much better. Because my fear is that Apple might have pulled this so that the negative press stops. They now have another opportunity to prove me wrong.
Oh, I should also note that other child safety features announced by Apple last month, and also now delayed, include communications safety features in Messages and updated knowledge information for Siri and Search. That tells you how controversial this was.