Apple going to throw in the coming weeks in Spain its Communication Safety functionality (security communication, in Spanish), which allows parents to configure their children’s terminal so that it blurs the nude images they receive through the application Messages. The novelty, which will come in the form of an update, as explained to ABC from the technology, is completely optional. So that if the user does not want to use it, it is not necessary. It is not even active by default on the firm’s devices.
If the parents of the minor, who must also have a iPhonewant to use the tool, all the images that the child receives and sends through the application Messages and in which a nude appears they will be blurred. The technology company uses technology that allows it to carry out the procedure without the need to break the end-to-end encryption of the photograph and, therefore, without accessing it. It just scans it.
“The feature is designed so that no indication of nudity detection comes out of the device. Apple does not have access to messages and notifications are not sent to parents or anyone else, “remarks the technology in this regard.
How the tool works
To be able to configure the terminal of a minor to activate the functionality, parents use their own iPhone, go to ‘Settings’, and ‘Time of use’, where you can activate parental controls for minors. Once this is done, you will have to select your child’s mobile and expressly activate this option.
Done this Apple inform the minor whenever the images you have sent or received may contain nudity and offers you ways to get help. Solutions offered by the functionality include leaving the conversation, blocking the contact, leaving a group message, and accessing online safety resources. It is also explained to the child that it is okay if he does not want to see the picture or continue the conversation.
The tool also includes the possibility for the child to send a message to a trusted adult about the photo. If the child is under the age of 13, Messages asks them to start a conversation with their parent or guardian. However, the company points out that the image is never forwarded directly to the tutors of the minor.