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Apple to check public iCloud links for harmful content starting in iOS 27.3

Apple will begin inspecting iCloud files shared via public links for harmful content starting in iOS 27.3, reserving the right to delete flagged material or disable offending accounts.

Graphic depicting an iCloud file sharing settings menu configured to 'Anyone with the link can edit'.
Image: @MacRumors

Starting with the release of iOS 27.3 and related 27.3 operating system versions, Apple will begin checking iCloud items configured for public sharing to identify "harmful content," according to reporting from Ryan Christoffel of 9to5Mac, alongside reports by MacRumors and The Verge. The inspection policy applies directly to any iCloud file or folder made accessible to anyone who possesses the link.[1][2][3][4][5]

Apple says it may take enforcement action if violations are identified, including removing the flagged content or disabling the associated user accounts. The change directly impacts the platform's "Anyone with the link" sharing feature, which allows broad external access and editing permissions for hosted files.[1][3][4]

Key facts

  • Apple will begin checking iCloud items shared to "Anyone with the link" for harmful content starting in iOS 27.3 and 27.3 OS versions.
  • Apple says it may delete flagged content or disable accounts found in violation.
  • The policy shift was first reported by Ryan Christoffel of 9to5Mac, with additional reporting from MacRumors and The Verge.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. TE

    Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·

    Apple says it will check iCloud items shared to "Anyone with the link" for "harmful content" in 27.3 OS versions, and may delete the content or disable accounts (@iryantldr / 9to5Mac) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)

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  2. 9T

    9to5Mac@9to5macPost on X ·

    With iOS 27.3, Apple will start checking iCloud public links for ‘harmful content’ https://t.co/KdGPIO5v2A by @iryantldr

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  3. MC

    MacRumors.com@MacRumorsPost on X ·

    Apple Will Check Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting in iOS 27.3 https://t.co/wvmTkiOThG https://t.co/Adl58EoIIa

    Open source
  4. TE

    TechmemeArticle ·

    Apple says it will check iCloud items shared to "Anyone with the link" for "harmful content" in 27.3 OS versions, and may delete the content or disable accounts (Ryan Christoffel/9to5Mac) Ryan Christoffel / 9to5Mac : Apple says it will check iCloud items shared to “Anyone with the link” for “harmful content” in 27.3 OS versions, and may delete the content or disable accounts — iOS 27.3 adds lots of new iPhone features, and it also makes a change to how public iCloud links work …

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  5. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    If you make an item on iCloud available to anyone who has the link, Apple will be able to check it starting with iOS 27.3. https://t.co/qM6R7OfJYf

    Open source