Apple has updated its iCloud terms to say that public sharing links will be checked for harmful content starting with the 27.3 releases of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS, MacRumors reports.
According to the report, the change applies to photos in iCloud Photos and files in iCloud Drive that are shared using the "Anyone with the link" option. Content shared that way will be "made accessible to Apple" so it can be reviewed. Apple does not define what counts as harmful content. MacRumors notes that it could cover malware or other malicious files, and possibly child sexual abuse material, given that the wording also mentions law enforcement.
What Apple says it can do
The updated language says Apple reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove or delete content at any time if someone tries to upload harmful material. Apple may also act against the account involved, including blocking or disabling the Apple Account, preventing a new account from being created with the same email address or phone number, and, where necessary, involving law enforcement.
Which sharing options are affected
iCloud offers two ways to share a file: "Send a Copy," which delivers the file directly to a recipient, and "Share a Link," which lets people download it. Link sharing can be limited to "People you choose" or opened to "Anyone with the link." According to the report, only the second option will be evaluated by Apple.
Encryption and open questions
Apple says content made available to anyone through a public link is no longer end-to-end encrypted, even for users who have turned on Advanced Data Protection. That is consistent with the nature of a link that anyone can open, but it is a notable detail for people who assume the feature always keeps shared files private.
Apple has not said whether links created before the 27.3 updates will also be checked, according to MacRumors. The report does not describe how the review will work in practice.
Availability
iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3 and visionOS 27.3 are currently in developer beta. MacRumors says the software is expected to reach the public in December.
For now, users who want to keep a file private can choose the "People you choose" option or send a copy rather than a public link.
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