Apple’s iOS 18.2 blurs nude content for child safety

Apple is introducing a new feature designed to enhance child safety by blurring nude content in messages, photos, and videos in its upcoming iOS 18.2 update.

This innovative solution aims to protect children without compromising end-to-end encryption or providing government backdoors, a concern raised during earlier attempts to implement similar features.

The Communication Safety feature on iOS 18.2 will first roll out in Australia and utilizes on-device machine learning to detect and automatically blur any nude images or videos.

If such content is detected, the device will display a warning that the content may be sensitive and will prompt users for confirmation before proceeding. For users under the age of 13, they cannot continue without entering the device’s Screen Time passcode.

Once nude content is identified, the feature blurs the media and provides the child with options to either leave the conversation, block the sender, or access online safety resources.

A reassuring message will remind them that it’s okay to opt out of viewing the content. Children aged 13 and older will still receive the same warnings but can choose to continue viewing the content after confirming their decision.

This feature scans content across various Apple platforms, including Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters, and FaceTime video messages. It will also extend to some third-party apps when a child selects a photo or video to share.

Apple’s choice to initially launch this feature in Australia coincides with the country’s new regulations requiring tech companies to monitor child abuse and terror-related content.

However, these regulations specifically state that compliance must be “technically feasible,” allowing Apple to maintain the integrity of its encryption while safeguarding children.

The controversy surrounding child safety features is rooted in Apple’s previous attempt to scan for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in 2021. That plan faced heavy backlash for potentially creating backdoors for unauthorized access to user data, leading Apple to abandon the initiative.

The new Communication Safety feature represents a more balanced approach, addressing child safety concerns while protecting user privacy.

Once the feature becomes available globally, users can enable it under Settings > Screen Time > Communication Safety, where it has been activated by default since the release of iOS 17.