Apple to Scan Publicly Shared Icloud Files for Harmful Content in Ios 27.3

WHO:

9to5Mac - Apple is the company that will check eligible iCloud items shared through public links.

9to5Mac - Apple says it may block or disable an Apple Account, prevent a new account from being created using the associated email address or phone number, and, if necessary, involve law enforcement over content it flags as harmful.

Inc - Apple will begin scanning public iCloud links but did not specify what it is looking for, according to the article’s headline.

WHAT:

9to5Mac - Apple’s support document says items shared using “Anyone with the Link” will be checked for “harmful content” in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS version 27.3 or later.

9to5Mac - If Apple flags shared content as harmful, it “reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove, or delete the content at any time.”

9to5Mac - iOS 27.3 includes Siri AI improvements, new Safari features, and an all-new Apple Health app.

Techmeme - Apple may delete content or disable accounts under the public-link checking policy.

Inc - Apple made a change to how content shared through public links is handled.

WHERE:

9to5Mac - The policy applies to content stored in iCloud, including photos in iCloud Photos and files in iCloud Drive.

9to5Mac - “Anyone with the link” makes shared items accessible to anyone who has the link, “including Apple.”

WHEN:

9to5Mac - The checks apply starting with version 27.3 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.

WHY:

9to5Mac - Apple’s stated aim for the change is preventing harmful content from being shared.

HOW:

9to5Mac - iCloud users can share an item by choosing “Share a Link” or “Send a Copy.” A link can be limited to “People you choose”—people invited or approved—or set to “Anyone with the link.”

9to5Mac - Apple’s checks apply to the “Anyone with the Link” option; the article says this option already made items accessible to anyone with the link, including Apple.

(UPDATED November 5, 2026 22:16 UTC)

Apple will check public iCloud links for harmful content starting with software version 27.3. The policy covers shared photos and files set to “Anyone with the link.” Apple may remove flagged content, disable accounts, or involve law enforcement.