Apple has reportedly scrapped its plans to scan iPhone users’ photos for child abuse imagery. The company had previously announced that it would be using a technology known as “photo DNA” to detect and report such images to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
However, Apple has now reportedly decided to abandon the project citing privacy concerns. According to reports, the company was worried that the technology would be used to spy on users or to track their activities. Apple also reportedly felt that the technology was not sophisticated enough to accurately detect child abuse imagery.
Apple reportedly discussed the plan with a range of privacy advocates and child safety experts. The company ultimately decided that the risk was too great and decided to scrap the project.
Apple has not commented on the reports, but it is believed that the company has decided to focus its resources on other child safety initiatives, including an updated version of its “Family Sharing” feature which allows parents to monitor and control their children’s activities on Apple devices.