Apple expands iCloud scanning to public share links

Apple is extending its content moderation system beyond private storage into shared URLs, meaning even files you intentionally distribute—not just store privately—will be scanned by Apple's servers using machine learning models designed to detect "harmful content." The company has offered no definition of what triggers detection or how users can appeal false positives. Apple is now acting as an arbiter of what can be publicly shared through its infrastructure, not just what's stored there. Rivals may face pressure to adopt similar systems or risk competitive disadvantage.