ARThis week Apple have announced as part of a new update that they will include a ‘Sensitive Content Warning’ when adults receive a photo or a video that contains nude imagery. This is a move to avoid people seeing content that is unsolicited. As well, Apple has expanded the Communication Safety feature that warns young people about sending and receiving nude imagery to also include video content. Find out below what both these features provide.
Sensitive Content Warning
Designed for adults, this feature is opt-in only and will be accessed within Privacy and Settings. If enabled, any content that is detected to contain nude imagery will be covered and marked as ‘This may be sensitive’. If the user wishes to continue, they still have the option to show the content. Apple have stated that the image and video processing occurs on device so ‘neither Apple nor any third party gets access to the content.’ This feature is said to be made available across Messages, Airdrop, FaceTime Video Messages and through Contact Posters.
Communication Safety
This feature is already available to warn young people when they receive or send an image that contains nudity but is now being expanded to include video content as well. If this feature is enabled within the Family Sharing Plan under a child account then warnings will be turned on. If nudity is detected, then some options become available including blocking the contact, messaging a grown up or getting access to supportive resources. If they choose to view the message still, a pop-up message will appear saying ‘This could be sensitive. Are you sure you want to view it?’ The pop-up will also display the following messages:
- “Naked photos and videos show the private body parts that are usually covered by underwear or bathing suits.’’
- “It’s not your fault, but naked photos and videos can be used to hurt you.”
- ‘’The person in this might not want it seen – it could have been shared without permission.’’
Users will then be given options to ignore the content, view the content or get support and access online safety resources. This will be made available across Messages, Airdrop, Facetime Video Message, Contact Posters and through Photo Picker. Apple has also made the tool available to be used across other third-party apps. As above, Apple have stated that processing takes place across the device so ‘neither Apple nor any third party gets access to the content’. These new updates are expected to be released for iOS 17 in the coming months.
Sophie Mortimer Revenge Porn Helpline Manager said:
''This new update is a positive step forward for protecting individuals from being sent unsolicited nude images. We have found through StopNCII.org that on-device processing is an essential step towards combatting this issue and we hope that these new features will create some additional protection and boundaries going forwards. However, while it is welcome, there are still areas to improve such as ways to actually report individuals who share illegal content. Without this additional step, perpetrators can continue to target others without fear of consequence. We advise any adult who is experiencing intimate image abuse to contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for support and for any child to contact Childline.’'
If you are an adult experiencing intimate image abuse, you can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for free at revengepornhelpline.org.uk.You can also use StopNCII.org to take preventative action if you are concerned about your intimate images being shared online Minors can also use TakeItDown to protect themselves from this abuse.
