If you missed the news, Apple just announced it will be “delaying” its implementation of locally scanning devices for possibly-illegal files on behalf of governments. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/03/apple-delays-controversial-plan-to-scan-iphones-for-child-exploitation-images.html
I just wanted to give a shout out and solicit a round of applause for Zcash Foundation board member and Zerocash co-author @Matthewdgreen, for his role in breaking the “Apple CSAM local scanning” story and leading the public debate on it to an appropriate place of total rejection of Apple’s dystopian approach.
You can read Matt’s initial tweets breaking the story here: https://twitter.com/matthew_d_green/status/1423071186616000513?lang=en)
Apple thought they would be able to slide this through on a Friday afternoon with no one noticing. And instead they got the biggest amount of opposition I’ve ever seen them receive on anything in my 18 years of campaigning against Apple’s unethical use of power.
We’re all in debt to you, Matt, for your leadership on this.
Also, once the story broke, former ZOMG committee member @sarahjamielewis was all over it too: https://twitter.com/SarahJamieLewis/status/1423782395669401604
This is one of those great examples where a few smart, informed, principled voices can make a huge difference to the world’s future. I hope we can all remember moments like this one as we consider our own work and its impact in the world.
A memo Apple leaked to reporters called those opposing on-device scanning the “screeching voices of the minority”. This is a lesson on how much those voices can matter.
Let’s learn to be the best “screeching voices of the minority” we can be, for privacy and freedom!