iOS 17 will give users better protection against unwanted nudges

Apple’s Communication Safety feature for iPhone – designed to protect children from viewing nude images on iMessage – is being expanded In addition to video content and other communication methods to cover adult users. Announced during the WWDC event on Monday, security will arrive later this year with iOS 17, with all image and video processing happening on the device itself to ensure everything is kept private, even Even from Apple.

communication security in messages The feature uses on-device machine learning to automatically blur nude images in iMessages before a child can see them. With iOS 17, the expanded feature will also protect children from viewing or sharing photos of nudity via AirDrop, new contact posters, FaceTime messages, and when browsing your image library using the photo picker. Along with still images, it can also scan video content for nudity. Apple hasn’t confirmed whether the feature will also apply to live video content such as FaceTime video calls — we’ve reached out for clarification and will update this story if we hear back.

Right now, the Communications Security tool is an opt-in feature within Apple’s existing Family Sharing system. This may only be implemented on iMessages until iOS 17 arrives sometime later. When enabled, the feature currently detects if a child is sending or receiving images that may contain nudity, subsequently warning the child and blurring the image before it is viewed on the minor’s device can be done. The child is also presented with the option to message a trusted adult for helpful resources and additional support.

Adults too will soon be able to have the same protection from unwanted nudities. “Sensitive Content Warning” is a new feature coming to iOS 17 that will warn users of any age if an image or video they receive contains nudity. The content will be flagged in a pop-up message that asks users if they want to view it anyway, along with some reassurance and helpful guidance on staying safe, such as “It’s not your fault, but the nude photo.” And the video can be used to hurt you.”