Apple has rolled out a new feature aimed at helping children report inappropriate content as part of the iOS 18.2 beta in Australia.

Protecting children online is one of the hardest things to do, but Apple appears to be putting some control in the hands of children with its latest beta. as part of iOS 17, Apple has introduced new features for iMessage, AirDrop, Face Time, and photos that contain nudity and videos automatically; Apple Insider reports that in iOS 18.2 beta, children can now report inappropriate content directly to Apple, and Apple is enhancing this security.

Once triggered, children are presented with two intervention pop-ups that explain how to contact local authorities and inform their parents. Once triggered, if nudity is detected, a new pop-up will appear allowing the child to report the content directly to Apple. Reports are compiled as soon as a warning is displayed and reviewed by Apple if sent. There are several steps involved, from disabling the sender's iMessage to contacting authorities.

Currently, this feature is only available in Australia, with a global release to follow later. Australia was likely chosen because it will require companies to crack down on child abuse and terrorist content on cloud messaging by the end of 2024. Apple has come under fire in the past for the way it handled CASM; in 2021 there was a plan to scan known CSAM material from iCloud photos, but it was scrapped due to several factors.

Many other new features are rolling out globally in the iOS 18.2 beta. Some of the most impressive include the use of Apple Intelligence. Genmoji, for example, will allow users to create their own emojis using prompts or based on saved contacts. This could bring about a major change in the way we communicate, making each conversation feel more personal than a simple emoji.

If you are concerned about protecting your children, check out our complete guide on how to protect your children online in 2024 and how to protect them with new cell phones.