Apple's on-device "nudity protection" feature on iPhones, which detects unwanted nudes sent to children, has been expanded.
Besides that, the iPhone maker also debuted its new Sensitive Content Warning feature, enabling adults to know if they receive media files that they might not want to see in the first place.
Apple's On-Device 'Nudity Protection' Expands
Tech Crunch said the Cupertino-based firm introduced the expanded safety feature in its WWDC 2023 keynote. The new addition is on its way to iPhone users upon the arrival of the all-new iOS 17. The tech behemoth initially introduced an on-device nudity protection feature, which combats sharing of sensitive photos among children.
As per Wired, Apple's Head of User Privacy, Erikk Neuenschwander, says the initial feature targets grooming behavior preying on young minds. The User Privacy Head says, "Communication Safety is a feature where we really want to give the child a moment to pause and hopefully get disrupted out of what is effectively a grooming conversation."
With the new update coming our way, the tech giant has expanded the Communication Safety function for kids under 13 years old. It is now available to iPhone apps like FaceTime videos and Photos picker tools, where users may send media to third-party services or AirDrop them.
How New Feature Protects Adult Users From Unwanted Nudes
On top of that, the WWDC 2023 put the spotlight on a similar safety feature, which expands to adults. Apple says in its blog post that the new privacy feature "helps adult users avoid seeing unwanted nude images and videos."
The "nudity protection" feature shows a prompt triggered by unwanted
nudes. It warns that "this could be sensitive. Are you sure you want to view it?" The popup gives users three options. One of which prevents them from seeing the message by tapping on "Not Now." The other option provides users with "Ways to Get Help. And the last course of action lets them view the sensitive content.
Apple assures that the detection of potentially sensitive content occurs within the device. Given that, the tech giant is not lurking on the nude images sent to you. The prompt also assures users that [it is] not their fault if they get offended by naked photos or videos. It further notes that the person in the photo might not have consented for their sensitive image to be shared around.
It is worth noting that Apple has yet to confirm if the new safety feature will be turned on by default once it rolls out. It also needs to be clarified if there is an option to disable it. But despite that, Tech Crunch notes that these safety functionalities often include on and off options.
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