Apple to Check Public iCloud Photo and File Links for Harmful Content

Apple says it will begin checking iCloud Photos images and iCloud Drive files shared through “Anyone with the link” for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3. The updates are in developer beta, with public release planned for December. The policy concerns public-link sharing, not all private iCloud content; Apple has not described equivalent checks for the restricted “People you choose” option.

Publicly linked items are accessible to Apple and are not protected by end-to-end encryption, even when Advanced Data Protection is enabled. Apple says enforcement may include removing content, restricting or disabling Apple Accounts, and involving law enforcement. The company has not explained what qualifies as harmful content, its detection methods, appeal procedures, or whether existing public links will be checked. Organizations using iCloud for sensitive files should review public-link exposure and avoid assuming Advanced Data Protection covers publicly shared items.