Last week, I had posted about my concerns with Apple's viewing of our photos.  The "iMessages" update included an update to not only communications of photos on iMessage but also our photos stored/synced on iCloud.  Since my posting last Monday, there have been more reports on the subject, and my concerns are not alleviated.

Our friend and previous podcast guest, Jeff Richardson, shared his thoughts about Apple's move to help stop Child Pornography (or Child Sexual Abuse Material, aka "CSAM").  (Remember, I believe the cause is noble, but I disagree with how they are doing things).  He believes that Apple's action is on a "slippery slope."  He leans in favor of Apple's efforts.  Jeff basically believes that Apple will stand by its users when governments want to get their customer's data (whether it's on their cloud or devices).  But not all share his "hopeful" beliefs.

Reuters reported that some Apple employees had raised concerns over Apple's move to scan its customer's photos.  (Note this can only be done if the user syncs their phone's photos with iCloud).  Apparently, what made this outcry notable is "the volume and duration of [this internal discussion]."  Policy groups like Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined these employees with their concerns and objections.  "What Apple is showing with their announcement last week is that there are technical weaknesses that they are willing to build in," CDT project director Emma Llanso said in an interview. "It seems so out of step from everything that they had previously been saying and doing."  Meanwhile, iMore reports in an unofficial survey, the majority of iCloud users are leaving the service. Whether you are an Apple or Windows’ User, you should be concerned.

My concern is whether this is a signal of more things to come?  Apple appears to claim that it would not give into future personal data demands by governments.  But at the same time, this action is in response to government concerns and potentially mitigates government action.  What will be Apple's next privacy wall to fall all in the name to justify government appeasement? How will other tech companies respond. Is our client’s private information safe on our devices? What do you think?

MTC