Apple has indefinitely delayed the introduction of its new anti-child abuse features, following widespread outcry from privacy and security campaigners.
The company had said that the two new tools – which attempt to detect when children are being sent inappropriate photos, and when people have child sexual abuse material on their devices – were necessary as a way to stop the grooming and exploitation of children.
But campaigners argued that they increased the privacy risks for other users of the phone. Critics said that the tools could be used to scan for other kinds of material, and that they undermined Apple’s public commitment to privacy as a human right.
Now Apple said that it will indefinitely delay those features, with a view to improving them before they are released.
“Last month we announced plans for features intended to help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material,” Apple said.
“Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers and others, we have…
