Apple will check public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3

Apple will start checking publicly shared iCloud links for harmful content with its 27.3 software updates. The change covers iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3 and visionOS 27.3. It applies to photos in iCloud Photos and files in iCloud Drive that are shared using the “Anyone with the link” option.

Those items will be “made accessible to Apple” so the company can run a content check. Apple says content shared this way is no longer end-to-end encrypted, which means only the sender and recipient can normally read it. That holds even if the owner or other participants have Advanced Data Protection turned on. Links shared with “People you choose” are not evaluated, and neither is a file sent directly with “Send a Copy.”

Apple does not define what counts as harmful content. MacRumors notes it could mean malware, malicious files or child sexual abuse material, since Apple mentions law enforcement. Apple says it can move, refuse, modify, remove or delete flagged content at any time. It may also block or disable the user’s Apple Account, block a new account from being created with the same email address or phone number, and, if necessary, involve law enforcement.

Apple does not say whether links created before the 27.3 updates will be checked.