Apple has been scanning iCloud Mail for child exploitation images since 2019

Apple has confirmed in a statement that its CSAM scanning has been ongoing on iCloud Mail since 2019. This means that it won't be the first time that the company uses such a technology in its ecosystem when it introduces CSAM scanning to iCloud backups in the near future.

Apple’s CSAM scanning will not be a new move, it seems. The company has reportedly been using such electronic signatures to identify child porn on iCloud Mail since 2019. The feature just has not been used on iCloud photos until now. The revelation comes in the form of a new report by 9to5Mac. Apple has confirmed to the publication that it already scans iCloud Mail for CSAM. The tech major has been using image matching technology on its iCloud Mail since 2019 “to help find and report child exploitation.”