Last week, the Apple announced that it would implement new technology to comb through photos on iCloud from iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers all with detect photos of child abuse, in a clear prevention policy. However, the functionality generated immediate controversy and many users questioned that such a system would violate essential privacy requirements for those who own a gadget from the Apple – mainly because you know that your photos are being “watched”.

According to NBC's business website CNBC, a letter signed by the crypto community was sent to the Apple, with the participation of almost 30 organizations and more than 6.600 signatures. The text states that, although the system is used to combat child abuse, it could set a precedent for other types of surveillance, which would compromise users' privacy. Finally, the letter also asks that the implementation of the monitoring tool be stopped immediately and that Apple reaffirm its commitment to the security of user data.

Therefore, the Apple decided to speak out, highlighting that the new technology (which can be downloaded from User's iPhone via an iOS update) wins in terms of privacy compared to its competitors, Google e  ecosystem, which also removed illegal child abuse images from their servers. According to the Apple, the new system will scan only photos sent to the iCloud, and not from the photos stored privately on iPhones. On the occasion, the vice president of software at Apple, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, said the news is part of an “important mission” to keep children safe, while also taking care of the files analyzed. “What we are announcing is the product of this necessary collaboration, which provides tools to protect children from child abuse, but also maintains the deep commitment of Apple with user privacy,” Marineau-Mes wrote.

The executive also commented that Apple will soon detail the tool so that everyone can know exactly how it works. Regarding concerns about whether or not this new system can be implemented in more countries and used by governments to scan people's iPhones for other photos, such as those related to political content, Apple  reinforced that it will not scan photos not synchronized with iCloud, not leaving room for this type of concern.

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