iCloud connections will be checked with iOS 27.3

Apple announced that it will monitor content shared via iCloud connections. The app will launch with iOS 27.3. The same rule will apply to iPadOS, macOS and visionOS.

According to the company's support document, an item shared with "Anyone with the link" permission becomes available to Apple for malicious content control. 9to5Mac first reported the document. Thus, the sharing method gains a new dimension in terms of privacy.

iCloud connections and end-to-end encryption

There is another consequence of this type of sharing. When you use the "Anyone with a link" permission, content will no longer be end-to-end encrypted. End-to-end encryption means that data can only be read by the sender and receiver.

Therefore, Apple will be able to look at the files shared with this method. However, the document does not explain exactly how this inspection will be carried out. Therefore, the technical details of the process remain unclear for now.

The rule covers items that are accessible to anyone with the link. In other words, every share opened via iCloud connections may be within the scope of this control. There is no separate explanation for any other type of sharing in the document.

What exactly is harmful content?

Apple's support document does not define "harmful content." Still, this new approach comes after a demand made by protesters to Apple. Activists wanted tougher action against child abuse material stored in iCloud.

The company also states that it reserves the right to "move, reject, modify, remove or delete" harmful content that the user attempts to upload. In addition, it can block or disable accounts. It can also prevent the user from opening a new account.

Moreover, he can also apply to law enforcement if he deems it necessary. Therefore, it may make sense to check the permission type before sharing with iCloud connections. Because the selected permission determines whether the content remains encrypted or not.

When is iOS 27.3 coming?

Apple released the first developer beta versions of version 27.3 yesterday. The company recently announced that it plans to release iOS 27.3 to users in December. Therefore, the new control will come into effect with the stable version.

The new rule applies to anyone using iCloud connections. When the update is released in December, content shared with "Anyone with the link" permission will be open to Apple's control.