Apple to implement content scanning for public iCloud links in iOS 27.3

Apple announced that starting with the iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS 27.3 updates, it will begin scanning files and photos shared via the iCloud "anyone with the link" feature for harmful content. This move signals a tighter control over data sharing practices within the Apple ecosystem.

Under the new policy, Apple reserves the right to restrict, modify, or delete content, and may suspend or terminate Apple accounts if they are found to host prohibited material. In certain cases, the company indicated that it might report findings to law enforcement agencies. While Apple has not provided a narrow definition of "harmful content," the scope is expected to cover malware, illegal files, and child safety violations.

This monitoring mechanism applies exclusively to public links. Data shared via direct transmission or with specific authorized individuals remains outside the scope of this review. Apple also confirmed that once a file is made accessible to the public, it no longer receives end-to-end encryption protection, regardless of the user's "Advanced Data Protection" settings.

The updates are currently available in beta for developers, with a public release scheduled for December.