In recent years, some companies have made efforts to protect their users from sensitive content, including Apple. Below we show you how you can protect yourself from certain sensitive content in some applications thanks to a new function that our iPhone has incorporated since iOS 17.
Apple, always at the forefront of the security of its users, introduced in iOS 17 an important tool that helps improve security when browsing the internet: the Sensitive Content Notice.
What is the Sensitive Content Notice?
The Sensitive Content Alert feature on iPhone uses machine learning algorithms built into the device to analyze photos and videos in services like Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime, and other apps.
This function has the ability to Automatically blur images that may contain nudity or violent images before you encounter them by surprise. It is important to note that this process occurs locally on the device, without Apple accessing the photos or videos in question. In this way, user privacy is guaranteed, since no indication of sensitive content is sent to external servers.
Since version iOS 17.2, the Sensitive Content Notice has expanded its reach, also blurring images of this type in the new contact posters in the Phone and Contacts App, as well as in third-party stickers.
The fight against cyberbullying
In a world where cyberbullying is unfortunately common, Apple is trying to respond to its users’ concerns. According to studies, a high percentage of young people have experienced the unwanted sending of explicit images. The Sensitive Content Notice function is Apple’s response to this problem.
How to Activate the Sensitive Content Notice on your devices?
On iPhone or iPad:
- Opens Settings and select Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and tap Sensitive Content Notice.
- Activate the Sensitive Content Notice option.
On Mac:
- Open the menu and go to the System settings.
- In the sidebar, select Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and select Sensitive Content Notice.
- Activate the Sensitive Content Notice option.
- Once activated on your iPhone, it automatically extends to your Apple Watch and will be activated in all compatible applications and services.
Specifically, Apple shows us a list of applications that currently have compatibility with this function:
- On iPhone or iPad: Messages, AirDrop, Phone App contact posters, and FaceTime video messages.
- On the Mac: Messages.
- On Apple Watch: Messages and contact posters from the Phone App.
Detection on different platforms
The Sensitive Content Notice is not limited to a single service, but extends to several Apple applications and devices. If the Sensitive Content Notice ever determines that you have received a potentially sensitive image or video, you have two options; Tap “Show” if you decide to view the image or video, or use the alert button to access help resources or block the person who sent the sensitive content.