iCloud's 'Anyone with the Link' option will trigger Apple content checks

Apple will commence scrutinizing publicly distributed iCloud links for malicious content as part of its forthcoming 27.3 update. This includes iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3. The company's new policy stipulates that violations could lead to account suspensions or referrals to law enforcement agencies. Apple aims to scan any content exposed through publicly shared iCloud links, encompassing files and photos, for harmful material.

Notably, this encompasses content shared using the "Anyone with the Link" option, which disables end-to-end encryption even if the owner or users have activated Advanced Data Protection. Apple reserves the right to relocate, refuse, modify, or delete any harmful content, as well as take action against the account owner's account.

This could entail disabling the account, blocking any replacement accounts tied to the same contact details, or notifying law enforcement when necessary. It's important to note that this change does not extend to content shared via the "People you choose" setting, shared albums, or files uploaded directly into iCloud.