Apple has launched a feature on its iMessage platform that will allow children to report nude images and videos to the tech firm that would then bring it to the notice of law enforcement agencies.

The change is being rolled out first in Australia from Thursday (Oct 24).

The beta release is part of an update of Apple's operating system and extends the safety measures earlier given to users aged under 13 since iOS 17.

Watch: Shocking Rise In AI-produced Child Abuse Material

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Here is how the new feature aimed at further protecting user privacy will work:

The iPhones can automatically detect images and videos that contain nudity that children might receive or attempt to send in iMessage, AirDrop, FaceTime and Photos.

When such sensitive imagery is&nbsp;detected, the young users will be given intervention screens before they can proceed.

There will be options to contact a parent or guardian and to&nbsp;report the images and videos to Apple.

The device will then generate reports containing the visuals, as well as messages preceding and following the images and videos.

The report will include contact information of both the sender and receiver.&nbsp;

Users can fill out a form to explain what happened, which Apple will review.

Action such as disabling the users' ability to send messages through iMessage will follow. 
 
Apple can also report the issue to law enforcement agencies.

The tech giant said the feature will eventually be rolled out across the world after the beta test in Australia.

Australia was chosen as the first region in the wake of new rules being implemented in the country to crack down on controversial content on tech platforms and devices.

The new rules require companies to monitor child abuse and terror-related content on messaging and cloud services in Australia by the end of 2024.

While Apple maintains that the new features would&nbsp;protect end-to-end encryption and raised concerns about mass surveillance, the law has been softened a bit.

Yet, the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;government insists that&nbsp;companies must&nbsp;take action to tackle child abuse and terror content.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-catholic-diocese-to-pay-323mn-to-530-child-sex-abuse-survivors-in-largest-diocese-bankruptcy-762507">New York Catholic diocese to pay $323mn to 530 child sex abuse survivors, in largest US diocese bankruptcy</a>

Apple has drawn criticism across the world over its reluctance to ease up on its end-to-end encryption to help law enforcement.

There was earlier a plan from Apple to scan photos and videos stored in its iCloud for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but that was scrapped in late 2022 over privacy concerns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-trumps-china-as-manufacturer-of-apples-most-expensive-iphone-pro-and-pro-max-models-751537">Also read: India trumps China as manufacturer of Apple's most expensive iPhone Pro and Pro Max models</a> 
 
In the UK, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had accused Apple of vastly undercounting how often CSAM appears in its products, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper.

Apple reported only 267 cases of suspected CSAM on its platforms in 2023.

That's seen as a massive under-reporting when compared to Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, which submitted more than 30 million CSAM reports. 
 
Google sent nearly 1.5 million reports in the same period.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple has launched a feature on its iMessage platform that will allow children to report nude images and videos to the tech firm that would then bring it to the notice of law enforcement agencies.

Apple has launched a feature on its iMessage platform that will allow children to report nude images and videos to the tech firm that would then bring it to the notice of law enforcement agencies. The change is being rolled out first in Australia from Thursday (Oct 24). The beta release is part of an update of Apple's operating system and extends the safety measures earlier given to users aged under 13 since iOS 17. Watch: Shocking Rise In AI-produced Child Abuse Material × Here is how the new feature aimed at further protecting user privacy will work: The iPhones can automatically detect images and videos that contain nudity that children might receive or attempt to send in iMessage, AirDrop, FaceTime and Photos. When such sensitive imagery is detected, the young users will be given intervention screens before they can proceed. There will be options to contact a parent or guardian and to report the images and videos to Apple. The device will then generate reports containing the visuals, as well as messages preceding and following the images and videos. The report will include contact information of both the sender and receiver. Users can fill out a form to explain what happened, which Apple will review. Action such as disabling the users' ability to send messages through iMessage will follow. Apple can also report the issue to law enforcement agencies. The tech giant said the feature will eventually be rolled out across the world after the beta test in Australia. Australia was chosen as the first region in the wake of new rules being implemented in the country to crack down on controversial content on tech platforms and devices. The new rules require companies to monitor child abuse and terror-related content on messaging and cloud services in Australia by the end of 2024. While Apple maintains that the new features would protect end-to-end encryption and raised concerns about mass surveillance, the law has been softened a bit. Yet, the Australian government insists that companies must take action to tackle child abuse and terror content. Also read: New York Catholic diocese to pay $323mn to 530 child sex abuse survivors, in largest US diocese bankruptcy Apple has drawn criticism across the world over its reluctance to ease up on its end-to-end encryption to help law enforcement. There was earlier a plan from Apple to scan photos and videos stored in its iCloud for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but that was scrapped in late 2022 over privacy concerns. Also read: India trumps China as manufacturer of Apple's most expensive iPhone Pro and Pro Max models In the UK, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had accused Apple of vastly undercounting how often CSAM appears in its products, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper. Apple reported only 267 cases of suspected CSAM on its platforms in 2023. That's seen as a massive under-reporting when compared to Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, which submitted more than 30 million CSAM reports. Google sent nearly 1.5 million reports in the same period. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, children using iMessage platform can report nudity to Apple; feature rolls out in Australia

The popular messaging platform WhatsApp has threatened to quit India. The WhatsApp's parent company meta is challenging a new Indian law that requires tech companies to share user data with the government. Watch in for more details!

WhatsApp: We will exit India if forced to break encryption

An ex-employee of Facebook has made an explosive revelation: Staff members at the social media network have access to users' erased data. As per PetaPixel, the whistleblower claims that he was fired for raising concerns about a new company protocol that allows staff to not only access deleted user data but also share it with law enforcement. Brennan Lawson, who formerly worked as Meta's content screener, a role similar to a Facebook Content Moderator claims that the protocol has been there for three years.&nbsp;Lawson alleges that he was made aware of the new protocol during a staff meeting in late 2018 and that he became concerned about its legality.

Watch |&nbsp;Facebook parent Meta slashes hiring plans for new engineers by 30 per cent

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He further claims that upon questioning the legal standing of the said protocol he was fired and consequently spent 18 months unemployed. In addition to more than $3 million in compensation, he's seeking punitive damages from Facebook and its parent company Meta.

As per an NYPost report, Lawson also made mentioned Facebook content moderators being able to access deleted data and messages from the platform's Messenger application.

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Bloomberg reports that in his complaint,&nbsp;he further mentions that “Law enforcement would ask questions about the suspect’s use of the platform, such as who the suspect was messaging, when messages were sent, and even what those messages contained.”&nbsp;

Lawson claims that to keep Facebook in the good graces of the government, "the Escalations Team would utilise the back-end protocol to provide answers for the law enforcement agency and then determine how much to share."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/meta-shares-sink-22-as-facebook-loses-one-million-daily-users-450000">Meta shares sink 22% as Facebook loses one million daily users</a>

According to the complaint, the protocol appeared to go against both a Federal Trade Commission ruling requiring Facebook to provide users with proper information about its data retention policy and European Union digital privacy laws.

Meta's official statement stated, "These claims are without merit," and that the company will "defend ourselves against them vigorously."

(With inputs from agencies)

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An ex-employee of Facebook has made an explosive revelation: Staff members at the social media network have access to users' erased data. As per PetaPixel, the whistleblower claims that he was fired for raising concerns about a new company protocol that allows staff to not only access deleted user data but also share it with law enforcement.

An ex-employee of Facebook has made an explosive revelation: Staff members at the social media network have access to users' erased data. As per PetaPixel, the whistleblower claims that he was fired for raising concerns about a new company protocol that allows staff to not only access deleted user data but also share it with law enforcement. Brennan Lawson, who formerly worked as Meta's content screener, a role similar to a Facebook Content Moderator claims that the protocol has been there for three years. Lawson alleges that he was made aware of the new protocol during a staff meeting in late 2018 and that he became concerned about its legality. Watch | Facebook parent Meta slashes hiring plans for new engineers by 30 per cent He further claims that upon questioning the legal standing of the said protocol he was fired and consequently spent 18 months unemployed. In addition to more than $3 million in compensation, he's seeking punitive damages from Facebook and its parent company Meta. As per an NYPost report, Lawson also made mentioned Facebook content moderators being able to access deleted data and messages from the platform's Messenger application. Also read | Twitter's massive layoff leaves 30% without a job! Bloomberg reports that in his complaint, he further mentions that “Law enforcement would ask questions about the suspect’s use of the platform, such as who the suspect was messaging, when messages were sent, and even what those messages contained.” Lawson claims that to keep Facebook in the good graces of the government, "the Escalations Team would utilise the back-end protocol to provide answers for the law enforcement agency and then determine how much to share." Also read | Meta shares sink 22% as Facebook loses one million daily users According to the complaint, the protocol appeared to go against both a Federal Trade Commission ruling requiring Facebook to provide users with proper information about its data retention policy and European Union digital privacy laws. Meta's official statement stated, "These claims are without merit," and that the company will "defend ourselves against them vigorously." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Meta ex-employee makes explosive revelation, Facebook can read your messages even after deletion

According to reports, the US government has allegedly issued warrants for&nbsp;search giant Google to provide data on people typing specific search terms.

A Forbes report said the FBI is issuing "keyword warrants" asking Google to provide data amid fears that innocent users may get caught.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-illogical-zuckerberg-hits-out-at-facebook-whistleblower-418514">Also Read:&nbsp; Zuckerberg hits out at Facebook whistleblower</a>

It is however unclear how many such warrants have been issued and just how much data authorities reportedly have already.

Google has reportedly defended its move asserting that it carries&nbsp;out a "rigorous process" and protects the privacy of users while supporting law enforcement officials.

The report comes amid a row over Facebook's privacy policies after a whistleblower claimed the social media giant should be regulated since its harms children and puts profits over public safety.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/critics-warn-of-apple-google-chokepoint-repression-413904">Also Read:&nbsp;Critics warn of Apple, Google 'chokepoint' repression</a>

Facebook's ex-employee Frances Haugen told US lawmakers that Facebook stokes "division and weakens our democracy" as she urged the US Congress&nbsp;to take action.

However, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg dismissed the allegations as "deeply illogical" saying: &nbsp;"I don't know any tech company that sets out to build products that make people angry or depressed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-grill-facebook-over-teen-mental-health-417319">Also Read:&nbsp;US lawmakers grill Facebook over teen mental health</a>

US lawmakers have been threatening for years to regulate social media companies.&nbsp;Senator Ed Markey said Mark "Zuckerberg's time of invading privacy was over" after&nbsp;Haugen's testimony.

Senator Amy Klobuchar added that Haugen testimony&nbsp;was a "catalyst for action" even as Zuckerberg defended the company.

According to reports, the US government has allegedly issued warrants for search giant Google to provide data on people typing specific search terms. A Forbes report said the FBI is issuing "keyword warrants" asking Google to provide data amid fears that innocent users may get caught.

According to reports, the US government has allegedly issued warrants for search giant Google to provide data on people typing specific search terms. A Forbes report said the FBI is issuing "keyword warrants" asking Google to provide data amid fears that innocent users may get caught. Also Read: Zuckerberg hits out at Facebook whistleblower It is however unclear how many such warrants have been issued and just how much data authorities reportedly have already. Google has reportedly defended its move asserting that it carries out a "rigorous process" and protects the privacy of users while supporting law enforcement officials. The report comes amid a row over Facebook's privacy policies after a whistleblower claimed the social media giant should be regulated since its harms children and puts profits over public safety. Also Read: Critics warn of Apple, Google 'chokepoint' repression Facebook's ex-employee Frances Haugen told US lawmakers that Facebook stokes "division and weakens our democracy" as she urged the US Congress to take action. However, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg dismissed the allegations as "deeply illogical" saying: "I don't know any tech company that sets out to build products that make people angry or depressed." Also Read: US lawmakers grill Facebook over teen mental health US lawmakers have been threatening for years to regulate social media companies. Senator Ed Markey said Mark "Zuckerberg's time of invading privacy was over" after Haugen's testimony. Senator Amy Klobuchar added that Haugen testimony was a "catalyst for action" even as Zuckerberg defended the company.

US government orders Google to track people searching specific names: Report

The animosity between Apple and Facebook goes way back. These companies don't really compete with each other they are two mammoth technology companies and that's where their similarities end.

Almost all of Facebook's revenue comes from advertising while Apple makes most of its money by selling gadgets. Both companies pose no direct threat to each other but it seems they just cannot stand each other.

The fight began as early as 2010 when Steve Jobs the founder of Apple had a piece of advice for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Jobs while answering a question on user privacy, said: "Privacy means people know what they're signing up for, in plain English and repeatedly."

While he did not name Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg was sitting in the audience when Steve Jobs uttered those words.

Four years after that event, Zuckerberg was the subject of a cover story in the Time magazine when the Facebook founder chose the opportunity to respond to Apple. He called Apple's take on privacy "a ridiculous concept".

"What, you think because you're paying Apple that you're somehow in alignment with them. If you were in alignment with them, then they'd make their products a lot cheaper," he said.

Apple and Facebook have been fighting over users. They are competing for the attention and loyalty of users.

It seems Facebook is paranoid about the influence that Apple wields over its users.

In 2019, &nbsp;Apple blocked Facebook from running its internal IoS Apps. It was a nightmare for 35,000 Facebook employees. They couldn't even perform the most basic tasks at work and their calendars didn't work.

They couldn't check the company's shuttle service schedule. The reason behind the crackdown was Facebook which had launched a research app that allegedly allowed it to snoop on the online activity of users.

Apple refused to allow Facebook to run this app on its platform. Ultimately, the app was taken down. The message was clear: Facebook will not get a free pass from Apple. CEO Tim Cook has often used his public appearances to send an indirect message to Facebook.

Perhaps, it has made Mark Zuckerberg realise where the true power in the tech industry lies. Facebook makes the apps that run the world's biggest social network but Apple controls the distribution of apps.

While Android dominates the mobile computing market, Apple's IoS is second and Apple products are often seen in the hands of the wealthy and the influential.

It has a loyal customer base that remains in the Apple ecosystem. The clash between Apple and Facebook is cultural and personal. 
&nbsp; 
However, now both these companies increasingly look like monopolies fighting each other to influence the future of the tech industry and dictate the rules that users must follow to keep using their innovations.

The animosity between Apple and Facebook goes way back. These companies don't really compete with each other they are two mammoth technology companies and that's where their similarities end.

The animosity between Apple and Facebook goes way back. These companies don't really compete with each other they are two mammoth technology companies and that's where their similarities end. Almost all of Facebook's revenue comes from advertising while Apple makes most of its money by selling gadgets. Both companies pose no direct threat to each other but it seems they just cannot stand each other. The fight began as early as 2010 when Steve Jobs the founder of Apple had a piece of advice for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Jobs while answering a question on user privacy, said: "Privacy means people know what they're signing up for, in plain English and repeatedly." While he did not name Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg was sitting in the audience when Steve Jobs uttered those words. Four years after that event, Zuckerberg was the subject of a cover story in the Time magazine when the Facebook founder chose the opportunity to respond to Apple. He called Apple's take on privacy "a ridiculous concept". "What, you think because you're paying Apple that you're somehow in alignment with them. If you were in alignment with them, then they'd make their products a lot cheaper," he said. Apple and Facebook have been fighting over users. They are competing for the attention and loyalty of users. It seems Facebook is paranoid about the influence that Apple wields over its users. In 2019, Apple blocked Facebook from running its internal IoS Apps. It was a nightmare for 35,000 Facebook employees. They couldn't even perform the most basic tasks at work and their calendars didn't work. They couldn't check the company's shuttle service schedule. The reason behind the crackdown was Facebook which had launched a research app that allegedly allowed it to snoop on the online activity of users. Apple refused to allow Facebook to run this app on its platform. Ultimately, the app was taken down. The message was clear: Facebook will not get a free pass from Apple. CEO Tim Cook has often used his public appearances to send an indirect message to Facebook. Perhaps, it has made Mark Zuckerberg realise where the true power in the tech industry lies. Facebook makes the apps that run the world's biggest social network but Apple controls the distribution of apps. While Android dominates the mobile computing market, Apple's IoS is second and Apple products are often seen in the hands of the wealthy and the influential. It has a loyal customer base that remains in the Apple ecosystem. The clash between Apple and Facebook is cultural and personal. However, now both these companies increasingly look like monopolies fighting each other to influence the future of the tech industry and dictate the rules that users must follow to keep using their innovations.

When Steve Jobs took a dig at Zuckerberg's Facebook over privacy issue

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