Australia Demands Anti-CSAM Answers from Microsoft, Meta, and Apple
31 AUGUST 2022 - Australia has an interesting, though vague, demand of Microsoft, Meta, and Apple: Tell us what you’re doing about stopping the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Highlighting a Reuters report, Apple Insider says “Australia's e-Safety Commissioner has sent what are described as legal letters to Apple and other Big Tech platforms,” demanding “information about strategies to detect and also to remove CSAM.”
It is unclear how much detail they want, but they want it within four weeks. And if they don’t get it, the Australian regulator is prepared to charge each company $383,000 (presumably Australian) each day until they do get the info. Of course, we have some idea of what Apple could do. Apple Insider reminds readers:
Apple famously announced measures to prevent the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in August 2021, only to face criticism over security and censorship. Apple backpedal its plans in September 2021, but as AppleInsider has noted, the addition of such measures is now inevitable.
No comment from Apple on the Australian demand, according to Apple Insider. Meta says it’s looking into the letter. Microsoft says it will respond within the 28-day window, according to the report.
