[gjsman-1000]

Not really, actually.

They only do the scanning if you use iCloud Photos backup. If you use, say, local storage instead of iCloud, you don't get scanned (which would be a more apt comparison to a physical photo book). Also, they aren't scanning for new illegal activity, but images that you somehow obtained of past illegal activity that the government already knows about.

[oceanghost]

This to me is the most unbelievable aspect of the whole thing.

Apple is basically saying:

"So hey, if you have anything you don't want us to know about, here's how to get around our scans (wink, wink)."

What would be the point of implementing a system and then telling people how to avoid it? I think at some point in the near future they will flip a switch and start scanning private photos.

[josh_today]

I see your distinction and it makes sense- don’t want to be subject to Apple’s CSAM checks, don’t upload to iCloud.

I’d say we can do better. We need better tools for individualized data ownership and interoperability.