Apple Communication Safety for Children

Apple’s Communication Safety feature is designed to protect children from exposure to sensitive images and videos containing nudity across several Apple services, including Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters in the Phone app, FaceTime video messages, and the system Photos picker. When a child receives or tries to send a photo or video with nudity, the content is automatically blurred. The child is shown a clear warning, supportive guidance, and reassurance that it is okay not to view or share the content. In both receiving and sending situations, children are also given the option to contact a trusted person for help. From iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, an additional safeguard requires the Screen Time passcode of the Family Sharing group to be entered on the child’s device before viewing or sending sensitive images. While parents are not automatically notified of such attempts, their passcode is required to proceed. Importantly, all image and video analysis happens on the device. No data is sent to Apple, messages are not accessed, and no alerts are shared externally. Apple also offers the Sensitive Content Analysis framework, allowing third-party app developers to integrate similar protections. This feature works only when both parent and child are part of the same iCloud Family Sharing group.