Apple introduces new feature to protect users under 13 in Australia

Today, Apple announced a new feature on iMessage that allows users under the age of 13 to directly report nude photos and videos sent to the company. Apple will then evaluate and decide on appropriate action, such as blocking the offender's ability to send messages via iMessage or reporting the incident to the authorities.

Previously, in the iOS17 update for users under 13 and all other subjects, the iPhone was set to automatically detect images and videos containing nude children that could be received and attempted to be sent via iMessage, AirDrop, FaceTime and Photos. When sensitive images were detected, Apple devices automatically displayed two warning screens that allowed users to have options or contact parents and guardians. In the newly announced update, Apple added a feature that allows users to directly report sensitive images to the company, after which Apple will evaluate and take corresponding actions.

Apple introduces new feature to protect users under 13 in Australia (Photo: Jakub Porzycki)

Apple has announced new features to protect young users in Australia, coming as Australia later this year requires tech companies operating in the country to report terrorism and child abuse content on their cloud platforms and messaging services to police.

Previously, in order to protect user privacy, Apple was strongly criticized globally for not voluntarily sharing encrypted message content with the authorities of other countries during the law enforcement process. Therefore, Apple's announcement of a new feature and taking responsibility for acting as an intermediary to transfer child abuse content to Australian authorities is a new step for this company.

Australian Cyber Security Commissioner Julie Inman Grant welcomed Apple’s new move and urged the company to continue to introduce more measures to protect children and all users from cyber threats such as terrorist content or technology-enabled abuse.

Apple said that after introducing in Australia, the feature to protect users under 13 years old will be widely introduced globally by the company in the near future.

Source: https://vov.vn/cong-nghe/tin-cong-nghe/apple-gioi-thieu-tinh-nang-moi-bao-ve-nguoi-su-dung-duoi-13-tuoi-tai-australia-post1130631.vov