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Apple to Scan Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting with iOS 27.3

Apple to Scan Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting with iOS 27.3

First seen 4 Nov 2026, 18:48 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •November 5, 2026 at 14:17 UTC
  • •Apple will scan public iCloud links for harmful content starting with iOS 27.3.
  • •Content shared via 'Anyone with the Link' will lose end-to-end encryption protections.
  • •Apple may take action against accounts sharing harmful content, including disabling accounts.

Apple announced that with the release of iOS 27.3 and related updates, it will begin scanning files shared via public iCloud links for harmful content. This policy applies specifically to content shared using the 'Anyone with the Link' option, which allows unrestricted access to anyone with the link, including Apple. Notably, content shared this way will no longer be protected by end-to-end encryption, even if users have enabled Advanced Data Protection. Apple reserves the right to remove flagged content, disable accounts, and involve law enforcement if necessary. However, the company has not defined what constitutes 'harmful content' or clarified whether existing public links will be subject to these new checks. The updates are expected to roll out in December 2026.

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Timeline

2026-11-03
Apple publishes support document
Apple released a support document detailing the new scanning policy for public iCloud links.
Techtimes
2026-11-04
First beta of iOS 27.3 released
Apple launched the first developer beta of iOS 27.3, which includes the new harmful content scanning feature.
Theverge
2026-11-05
Public announcement of scanning policy
Apple confirmed its plan to scan public iCloud links for harmful content in a public announcement.
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Common questions

What types of content will be scanned?
Apple has not specified what constitutes 'harmful content' that will be scanned.
Will existing public links be affected?
It is unclear if public links created before the update will be subject to the new scanning policy.
What happens if harmful content is found?
Apple may remove the content, disable the user's account, or involve law enforcement if necessary.