Probably not monumental task, to change to scan every picture.
They can't pretend they don't have the capability.
And if they can scan for CP, why can't they scan for "whatever" else instead.
I think its more than that. images sent with iMessage are stored in iCloud, even if the device is not necessarily uploading.
How else would that have such warnings they claim in their announcement. [1]
And we have seen these systems have their scope/use case changed in the past [2]
To the point in the other discussion [3]. OP stated that Apples plans to scan and then upload suspected images are illegal. But i would think that they are only scanning images, client side, that users themselves are attempting to upload (either though attachments, or automatic iCloud backups etc) which would put Apple in the clear. In this case that would be iCloud images, or those that piggyback iCloud services like iMessage etc.
[1] https://www.apple.com/child-safety/ [2] https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/08/one-database-rule-them... [3] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28110159
And of course the scope could change tomorrow. Just like the scope of Android could change tomorrow. They could even have changed the scope without doing an announcement!
In my comment history it clearly shows that there's an effort to parse through the information and seek clarity.
And its worth noting that iMessage data is and can be backed up to iCloud, and not just using backups. For many with multiple devices this is specifically useful.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208532
Further, as to this
>And of course the scope could change tomorrow. Just like the scope of Android could change tomorrow. They could even have changed the scope without doing an announcement!
I am pointing out that there is a specific history of this already on record and documented. And their technical documents specifically state their intentions.
Page 3 : https://www.apple.com/child-safety/pdf/Expanded_Protections_...
"This program is ambitious, and protecting children is an important responsibility. Our efforts will evolve and expand over time"
I don't understand why you find such an observation so offensive. Its pretty clear Apple sees this as a first step into what will eventually be a much larger program.
