A lawsuit was initiated against Apple last weekend, alleging that the firm deliberately permitted its iCloud storage service to be utilised for the storage of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The lawsuit, initiated on behalf of several victims of child sexual abuse, claims that Apple’s negligence has exacerbated the suffering of these individuals.
The plaintiff, a 27-year-old female, initiated the claim following a history of abuse that commenced in early childhood. She disclosed that a family member sexually assaulted her, documented the abuse, and disseminated the photographs online. The woman persistently receives messages from police authorities on the finding of these photographs on multiple devices, including one stored on Apple’s iCloud.
The litigation focusses on Apple’s previous attempts to identify CSAM on iCloud. In August 2021, Apple introduced a function named “CSAM Detection,” which employs NeuralHash technology to identify known CSAM saved on iCloud. However, in response to privacy concerns articulated by activists and security researchers apprehensive about potential misuse, Apple retracted its decision and discontinued the experiment.
The lawsuit asserts that Apple’s choice to discontinue CSAM detection reflects a wilful neglect of kid protection. The lawsuit states, “Rather than employing the tools it developed to identify, eliminate, and report images of her abuse, Apple permitted that material to proliferate, compelling victims of child sexual abuse to repeatedly experience the trauma that has defined their lives.”
The lawsuit aims to mandate Apple to establish stringent protocols to inhibit the storage and dissemination of CSAM on its platform. Furthermore, it seeks to offer restitution to a prospective cohort of 2,680 victims who might qualify to participate in the lawsuit.
Apple has not yet issued a public response to the case. A spokesman indicated that the company is diligently and urgently innovating to address child sexual abuse offences while safeguarding the security and privacy of its consumers.
Apple has consistently emphasised its dedication to privacy and security. This case squarely contests that reputation. The resolution of this case may have considerable repercussions for Apple’s brand reputation and prospective initiatives.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.