Apple to scan files shared through public iCloud links

Apple says it will begin automated scanning of files shared via publicly accessible iCloud links with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3 and visionOS 27.3. The article attributes the change to a new policy that enables Apple engineers to review material shared through iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive when a user selects the “Anyone with the link” option.

It states that severe violations could lead to permanent termination of the user’s Apple Account, and that even Advanced Data Protection would not prevent these automated inspections.

The report emphasises that public links are treated as open broadcasts rather than private exchanges, noting that the act of generating a public URL alters the document’s encryption—removing end-to-end encryption for those files delivered to unauthenticated web browsers. It asserts that privatised sharing paths, such as “People you choose” invitations or direct file copies via messaging apps, remain uninspected, and private vault storage is described as unaffected.

The piece also cites potential penalties for offenders, including file relocation or deletion, account suspension, and phone-number re-registration blocks, with a reference to Apple’s official iCloud sharing support documentation. Criticism from civil liberties advocates is noted, claiming ambiguity around what constitutes illicit material and how bans can be appealed.

The article mentions developer betas are active and that public releases are planned for December 2026, urging readers to prefer private sharing if they require total confidentiality.