iOS 15.2 will alert minors when they receive an intimate photo

Minors will soon get a warning when they receive an intimate photo on their iPhone running iOS 15.2. After several months of debate, Apple finally decided not to warn the parents and let the children make the choice for themselves. The feature is emerging as the sending of sensitive snapshots has increased significantly in recent years.

The studies are formal: it is more and more common for children to send intimate photos. According to a report by Thorn, 14% of 9-12 year olds have already taken a picture of themselves while undressed. They were only 6% last year. If not all do, the practice is nevertheless much more tolerated than before. Indeed, they are 21% to consider this as normal. Also, many debates about the roles of builders in the protection of minors have erupted in recent years.

While the French government wants to offer parental controls by default on all devices, Apple has opted for another solution. Starting with iOS 15.2, minors who receive an intimate photo from a third party will be entitled to a warning. “This photo can be sensitive. Are you sure you want to see her? “, can we read on the screen. The pop-up then explains the potential consequences of such clichés, before concluding: “It’s your choice, but be sure you feel safe.”

Apple urges minors not to open intimate photos they receive

Contrary to what had initially been announced and to the wishes of several associations, the functionality do not warn parents of their child’s activity. The latter is the sole master of his decision on this subject. The functionality must nevertheless be activated by the parent from the section Family sharing parameters. A choice applauded by those who wish to protect the privacy of the users concerned.

On the same topic: iOS 15.2 – Apple’s new anti-tracking tool will hurt Facebook

As such, the Cupertino company says it will not have access to the famous shots, thanks to end-to-end encryption of messages. Others, on the other hand, are concerned about the real effectiveness of the functionality, which does not eliminate the danger entirely. Apple, for its part, assures that the latter will help children make the right decision in this kind of situation. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to contact a trusted person if the need arises.

Source: Wall Street Journal