eta: It makes way more sense to me than Apple actually thinking this was a good idea.
Snowden exposed that Apple was actively part[1] of the PRISM data collection and surveillance program targeting Americans.
Apple also voluntarily gives up customer's data when requested by the US government for about 120,000 individuals a year[2]. They also hand over the data for over 31,000 users/accounts in response to FISA and NSL requests[2] in a six month period.
> eta: It makes way more sense to me than Apple actually thinking this was a good idea.
Based on the company's own messaging, they simply seem proud of the project and find it ambitious[3]. They're also excited about the project's expansion and evolution[3].
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRISM_(surveillance_program)#/...
We don't know what goes on in the secret courts these days but we have been assured watchdogs are in place and certain programs are no longer in use [1]. This is all speculation based on past behavior, but I assume new reasoning has been constructed that passes watchdog's interpretation of the law but requires new hoops for three-letter agencies to jump through to get the mountains of data they so yearn for.
[1] https://reason.com/2015/11/29/the-nsa-will-stop-collecting-y...
Now it kind of sounds like I'm playing 5D chess, but since we don't know what takes place under secret Executive Orders...
That might make sense if CSAM detection is just the start, and they plan on detecting all those other things, as well.
They got what they wanted. It did sting a bit, but it was calculated.
They won't suffer any massive losses over that, they have the moral high ground among non tech people, who mistakenly believe that they're doing something to protect children.