Apple is preparing to introduce harmful-content checks for photos and files shared through public iCloud links, bringing a significant change to the privacy protections available when users distribute content online.
According to the supplied report, the policy will apply to content shared through the “Anyone with the Link” option in services such as iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive. Apple’s guidance reportedly states that end-to-end encryption will be disabled for items shared this way, allowing the company to access the content for checks.
The change is expected to accompany version 27.3 updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS. It draws a distinction between content stored privately in iCloud and files or photos deliberately made accessible to anyone who has the relevant link.
Public iCloud Links Will Be Subject to Content Checks
Under the reported policy, Apple will check items shared through the “Anyone with the Link” setting for content it considers harmful.
This sharing option allows a user to distribute a link without restricting access to a specific list of invited people. Anyone who obtains the link may be able to view or access the shared material, depending on the sharing settings.
Apple's reported guidance makes clear that the new checks are focused on this public-sharing arrangement. It does not describe the same checking process as applying to all photos and files that users keep privately in their iCloud accounts.
The distinction is important for people who use iCloud to store personal documents, photographs and other digital material. Public-link sharing creates a different level of exposure from keeping files within a private account.
End-to-End Encryption Will Not Apply to Publicly Shared Content
One of the most significant aspects of the change concerns end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a security method designed to ensure that only authorised parties can access protected content.
Apple's reported support guidance states that end-to-end encryption is disabled for content shared through the “Anyone with the Link” option. This applies even when a user has enabled Advanced Data Protection, Apple's optional feature that extends end-to-end encryption to additional iCloud data categories.
As a result, users should not assume that Advanced Data Protection preserves end-to-end encryption after they make a file publicly accessible through an iCloud link.
The change effectively treats publicly distributed content differently from information retained in a private iCloud environment.
Apple Has Not Clearly Defined Harmful Content
Apple's published support document does not provide a detailed definition of what qualifies as “harmful content”. It also does not explain the technical process used to identify or review material.
As a result, several questions remain unanswered, including whether checks will rely entirely on automated systems or involve additional review. Apple has also not clarified whether public links created before the software updates will be checked once the new policy takes effect.
The lack of detail leaves users with limited information about how the checking process will operate in practice.
Apple May Remove Content or Restrict Accounts
The policy also gives Apple the authority to take action if shared material is identified as harmful.
According to its support document, Apple may move, refuse, modify, remove or delete such content. The company also reserves the right to take action against the associated Apple Account.
Possible measures include blocking or disabling an account, preventing the creation of another account using the same email address or phone number, and involving law enforcement where necessary.
These provisions mean that the policy is not limited to checking publicly shared files. It also establishes potential consequences for accounts associated with content that Apple determines violates its rules.
The Policy Does Not Cover Every Type of iCloud Sharing
The distinction between public and restricted sharing is central to understanding the change.
Apple describes two ways to share an iCloud item through a link:
People you choose: Access is limited to people the owner invites or approves.
Anyone with the Link: Anyone who obtains the link can access the shared item, including Apple.
The new checks specifically concern the second option. The policy should therefore not be interpreted as an announcement that Apple will scan every privately stored iCloud photo or document under the same arrangement.
For users and organisations handling sensitive digital information, reviewing cloud-sharing permissions and security settings is an important part of data protection. Regular internal audit and security review services can help businesses assess their information-handling practices and identify weaknesses in internal controls.
Rollout Expected With Version 27.3
Apple's support document specifies that the policy will apply with version 27.3 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS. The first developer beta releases have been reported, while a public rollout is expected later.
Apple also notes that not all features are available in every country or region. The company has not provided a detailed public explanation of how the checks will be implemented across different markets.
For now, the key change is clear: content shared through the “Anyone with the Link” option will be accessible to Apple for harmful-content checks and will no longer retain end-to-end encryption, even when Advanced Data Protection is enabled.
The update makes the choice between public and restricted sharing particularly important for people who use iCloud to distribute personal photographs, documents or business files.