Apple confirms Communication Safety for Messages feature expanding to more regions around the world

Apple has subtly confirmed that its Communication Safety for Messages safeguarding tool, which sends warnings to alert children and parents when a sexually explicit image is sent or received on a device connected to iCloud Family Sharing, as well as the automatic blurring of explicit images sent in Messages to children, will be expanding to more regions around the world.

In a press release shared in recognition of Safer Internet Day, Apple said it will be expanding the safeguarding tool to more regions around the world with a future software update, following after the company expanded the tool beyond the US last year and and into Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and the UK.

With Communication Safety in Messages turned on, any explicit images received by a child will be blurred and the minor will be warned, presented with helpful resources, and reassured it is okay if they do not want to view the photo.

As an additional precaution, the child can also be told that, to make sure they are safe, their parents will get a message if they do view it. Similar protections are available if a child attempts to send sexually explicit photos. The child will be warned before the photo is sent, and the parents can receive a message if the child chooses to send it.