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September 03, 2021Apple has decided to postpone the rollout of the algorithm-based system to detect child pornography photos and other sexual abuse images on iPhone. Not a definitive stop, but a pause to allow the system to be improved, Cupertino specifies in a note: it takes more time to perfect it before releasing it.



The decision follows violent controversy from users and privacy activists. "Last month we announced the implementation of systems to protect children from predators that use communication tools to recruit and exploit them and limit the dissemination of child pornography," reads the Apple statement. However, "based on feedback from customers, lobbies, researchers and others, we have decided to spend more time gathering input and making improvements before introducing these child safety features, which we believe to be critically important," he reiterated. the Californian company.



At first, Apple announced that it would release new security features later this year from the US market, following the unveiling of the iPhone and mobile device software update, iOS 15, scheduled for September.



The new feature had sparked controversy among users, who had defined Apple's monochrome choice in stark contrast to the privacy policy defined by the company itself. The system devised by Apple to search for 'offending' images downloaded by users could lead, for example, to reporting to law enforcement agencies: in the case of the United States, a legal obligation. Another objection pointed out by activists is that undemocratic governments could expect Apple to use the system to search for other images and videos in anyone's devices. 



However, the postponement has displeased some groups of activists for the protection of children: Andy Burrows, head of online safety of the British NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), said that Apple's decision was "incredibly disappointing" and that the company "should have resisted" the pressure.