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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Exclusive: Apple's child protection features spark concern within its own ranks -sources [reuters.com]

A backlash over Apple's move to scan U.S. customer phones and computers [reuters.com] for child sex abuse images has grown to include employees speaking out internally, a notable turn in a company famed for its secretive culture, as well as provoking intensified protests from leading technology policy groups.

Apple employees have flooded an Apple internal Slack channel with more than 800 messages on the plan announced a week ago, workers who asked not to be identified told Reuters. Many expressed worries that the feature could be exploited by repressive governments looking to find other material for censorship or arrests, according to workers who saw the days-long thread.

Past security changes at Apple have also prompted concern among employees, but the volume and duration of the new debate is surprising, the workers said. Some posters worried that Apple is damaging its leading reputation for protecting privacy.

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Apple says it will refuse gov't demands to expand photo-scanning beyond CSAM [arstechnica.com]

Apple does not seem to have anticipated the level of criticism its decision to scan user photos would receive. On Thursday night, Apple distributed an internal memo that acknowledged criticism but dismissed it as "screeching voices of the minority."

That portion of the memo was written by NCMEC Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships Marita Rodriguez. "I know it's been a long day and that many of you probably haven't slept in 24 hours. We know that the days to come will be filled with the screeching voices of the minority. Our voices will be louder. Our commitment to lift up kids who have lived through the most unimaginable abuse and victimizations will be stronger," Rodriguez wrote.

The memo was obtained and published by 9to5Mac [9to5mac.com]. The Apple-written portion of the memo said, "We've seen many positive responses today. We know some people have misunderstandings, and more than a few are worried about the implications, but we will continue to explain and detail the features so people understand what we've built."

The call is coming from within the building.

Previously: Apple Plans to Scan US iPhones for Child Abuse Imagery [soylentnews.org]

Related: Apple Employees Threaten to Quit as Company Takes Hard Line Stance on Remote Work [soylentnews.org]

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