What changes
From iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3 and visionOS 27.3 onward, Apple will begin checking some content shared through iCloud. The change covers only items shared with "Anyone with the Link" permissions.
Two consequences
According to Apple's support document, content shared with that permission becomes accessible to Apple to check for "harmful content." The same document confirms such shares are no longer end-to-end encrypted, meaning a link-shared file no longer stays only between sender and recipient.
An undefined term
Apple does not define what counts as "harmful content" in the support document, leaving open which items the checks will target.
Why it matters
End-to-end encryption means only the parties involved can read the content; even the service provider cannot see it. Removing that protection is a notable step back for privacy-minded users, and scanning link-shared files shows Apple is moving content moderation beyond the device.
