In internal memo, Apple addresses concerns around new Photo scanning features

Post by arthur_sav » Sat, Aug 07, 2021, 9:56 AM UTC

Someone1234 wrote: post #38

Apple's mistake is that they seemingly believe there is pushback because people misunderstand how it works. The reality is more nuanced: People understand exactly how it works, and how it works is that it is turn-key onboard spyware, that Apple pinky-swears isn't being used wrong today . For example if the scope/mission expands (e.g. foreign governments), suddenly you've created a drag-net for whatever "badness" is o…

Post by bryanrasmussen » Sat, Aug 07, 2021, 9:58 AM UTC

bryanrasmussen wrote: post #122

userbinator wrote: post #79

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also, there's a "we can't show you the exact CP image that one of yours matched, because that would also be illegal" catch-22 that basically gives them the power to shroud this whole system in legally-obligated secrecy. Secrecy which will no doubt be abused to hide much more.

I do worry this is basically automating and scaling up the whole "idiot working at the mall photo development booth turns family in for child porn because they took pictures of 3 year old in bath" story that shows up every now and then.

Post by axiosgunnar » Sat, Aug 07, 2021, 10:01 AM UTC

polyomino wrote: post #178

dannyw wrote: post #162

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Even regardless of whether it's all photos or all matched photos, the issue is that Apple is actively and publicly building adversarial black boxes that run on your device, on a OS level (on iOS AND macs!), with the sole and explicit goal of snitching on you to the government for possessing information that is deemed wrong. The actual specifics of what material is currently deemed wrong is irrelevant, because it will…

I don't see why this is surprising at all. Apple has never cared about the privacy of their Chinese users. Privacy was never a principle for them, merely a marketing feature for technically illiterate westerners.

Post by okamiueru » Sat, Aug 07, 2021, 10:10 AM UTC

chaostheory wrote: post #199

jimbob45 wrote: post #191

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I disagree. Google announced the same thing for Google Drive and didn’t receive this level of pushback. If you’re Apple, the only way that’s possible is if you explained it badly (i.e. differently than Google did). I’m guessing their real prerogative is to keep unlawful content from ever reaching their servers. You wouldn’t know that from reading their press releases though.

The difference is that Google doesn’t advertise itself as a bastion of privacy. Google spying on you is expected. More consumers also pay for iCloud vs Google Drive. Expectations change when you’re paying for a service.

Post by sharken » Sat, Aug 07, 2021, 10:11 AM UTC

mung wrote: post #286

sharken wrote: post #253

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Exactly. It's the same argument when Corona contact-tracing was discussed and later implemented. First using paper forms and later using apps. Why would you object to limiting the spread of the Coronavirus ? Fast forward to the present where law enforcement in Germany, Australia and Singapore have used contact-tracing for other purposes. So no to this plan from Apple, they must discard all plans of client-side scanni…

Could you please expand on the other uses of contact tracing in those countries?