Sorry for my previous posts' hostile nature. Thank you for clearing up the actual proposed implementation details. It sounds like I came to pretty much the same conclusion as you did. I might have been quite unclear, but I was actually referring to (in my mind) the inevitable stage 2 of the implementation, if you give the little finger here ... theres no stopping. When I read about this, I was feeling sad, frustrated and a bit angry too. I like my iphone, i switched from android because they aged too quickly. Given the nature of Apple ecosystem, I took this as crossing the line. And i would have to strongly look for alternatives, since this scanning is not something i want to accept and i would vote with my money elsewhere.
Yes, i know they scan all photos already. But to scan MY photos and hold me accountable, that is something i am not okay with. Yes, its only icloud, for now, but i dont see the point of using some 3rd party cloud, i used to, but in apple device it would be suboptimal for my daily use etc etc.
My point was of the original case of protecting children. That is what the advocate groups want. That is what I want. But I just draw the line there what i feel is my personal space, that you don't scan my photos or files, and that is not the answer. Since there are these few behemoth FAANG companies ruling the ecosystems and impacting our lives, the battle of privacy needs to be fought right there. So, for me that would be the line as I see the progression of that path is much worse. That is where I raise my hand and say, I'm out, what next? No smartphone? Maybe. :) Peace.