Apple to Scan Publicly Shared iCloud Links for Harmful Content

Apple has revealed that it plans to start checking publicly shared iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3. The change specifically applies to scenarios where users share iCloud content, such as photos in iCloud Photos or files in iCloud Drive, by sharing a link and making it accessible to "Anyone with the link." When users choose this option, the content will be scanned for harmful material. The company has not detailed the exact technical methods used for detection, but confirmed the scanning will apply to links shared publicly. The update is framed as a safety and compliance measure, though it alters the privacy expectations for users who rely on publicly shared iCloud links for distributing content. No separate patch is required; the scanning functionality is built into the OS update. Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the specific criteria used to define "harmful content" or whether scanning occurs at link creation or upon access.