Apple Plans to Scan US iPhones for Child Abuse Imagery

upstart writes:

Apple plans to scan US iPhones for child abuse imagery:

Apple intends to install software on American iPhones to scan for child abuse imagery, according to people briefed on its plans, raising alarm among security researchers who warn that it could open the door to surveillance of millions of people's personal devices.

Apple detailed its proposed system-known as "neuralMatch"-to some US academics earlier this week, according to two security researchers briefed on the virtual meeting. The plans could be publicized more widely as soon as this week, they said.

The automated system would proactively alert a team of human reviewers if it believes illegal imagery is detected, who would then contact law enforcement if the material can be verified. The scheme will initially roll out only in the US.

[...] Security researchers, while supportive of efforts to combat child abuse, are concerned that Apple risks enabling governments around the world to seek access to their citizens' personal data, potentially far beyond its original intent.

"It is an absolutely appalling idea, because it is going to lead to distributed bulk surveillance of...our phones and laptops," said Ross Anderson, professor of security engineering at the University of Cambridge.

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