Apple will refuse requests to use child abuse detection tools for other purposes

people It has defended its new iPhone security tool used to detect child sexual abuse content, saying it will not allow the government to use the technology for other purposes.

Last week, when the tech giant announced that it aimed to protect young people and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), it raised privacy concerns.

One of the first features introduced in the United States later this year is the ability to detect known CSAM images stored in iCloud photos and report them to law enforcement agencies.

The company has made it clear that if the government requires the use of the same system to detect non-CSAM images, it will “reject any such request.”

Apple said: “We have previously faced requests to build and deploy government-authorized changes to user privacy, and we firmly rejected these requests.”

“We will continue to reject them in the future.

“Let us be clear-this technology is limited to the detection of CSAM stored in iCloud, and we will not agree to any government request to expand it.”

Apple directly set a record in a “FAQ” document released on Monday, aiming to provide “more clarity and transparency in the process.”

The iPhone manufacturer reiterated that the tool does not allow it to view or scan the user’s photo album.

Instead, the system will securely find matches on the device based on a “hash” database (a type of digital fingerprint) of known CSAM images provided by the Child Safety Organization.

This match will only happen when a user tries to upload an image to their iCloud photo library.

Another new feature will be added to the messaging app, which will use linked family accounts to warn children and their parents when sending or receiving pornographic photos, that images will be blocked from viewing and screen alerts; and a new guide Siri And search, when the user performs a search related to CSAM, it will point the user to useful resources.