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An internal memo at Apple reportedly addresses concerns about CSAM and photo scanning features and aims to maintain its commitment to user privacy while protecting children.
On Thursday, Apple announced that it will expand parental control features in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12 Monterey, and watchOS 8. The new tools include a system that uses cryptographic techniques to detect collections of CSAM stored in iCloud Photos and share information with law enforcement.
New child protection features: Apple's Software VP addresses employees
The announcement has been met with much criticism from both customers and security experts – but there is also some support. But the prevailing concern is that the implementation could lead to monitoring of traffic sent and received by the phone at some point in the future. An internal memo obtained by 9to5Mac published addresses these concerns to Apple employees. The memo is reportedly from Sebastien Marineau-Mes, a software VP at Apple, and reads as follows:
Today is the official unveiling of enhanced protections for kids, and I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your hard work over the past few years. We couldn't have reached this milestone without your tireless dedication and perseverance. Keeping kids safe is such an important mission. As is true to Apple, pursuing this goal has required a deep, cross-functional commitment spanning engineering, GA, HI, legal, product marketing, and PR. What we're announcing today is the product of this incredible collaboration, providing tools to protect kids while maintaining Apple's commitment to user privacy. We've seen a lot of positive response today. We know some people have concerns, and quite a few are worried about the impact. But we'll continue to explain and break down the features so people understand what we've built. While we have a lot of hard work ahead of us to ship the features over the next few months, I wanted to share this message we received from NCMEC today. I found it incredibly motivating and hope you do too.
NCMEC is proud of Apple's new initiative
The memo also included a message from Marita Rodrigues, executive director of strategic partnerships for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which reads:
I wanted to share a message of encouragement to say that everyone at NCMEC is so proud of each of you and the incredible decisions you have made in the name of child protection. It was invigorating for our entire team to see (and play a small part in) what you revealed today. I know it has been a long day and that many of you probably haven't slept in 24 hours. We know the days ahead will be filled with the screaming voices of the minority. Our voices will be louder. Our commitment to lifting up children who have lived through the most unimaginable abuse and victimization will be stronger. During these long days and sleepless nights, I hope you find comfort in knowing that because of you, many thousands of sexually exploited, victimized children will be rescued and given a chance at healing and the childhood they deserve. Thank you for finding a way to protect children while maintaining privacy.
So far, Apple has not commented publicly on the reactions. If you would like to find out more about the new child protection features, you can find further details below. (Image: Apple)
