Safety concerns over iPhone iOS 17 software update emerge
Apple has revealed its latest software update for the iPhone this week, with Check In causing concerns among social media users. While the feature is intended to allow a user to notify a select contact when they reach their intended destination, some have suggested it could be used by abusive partners for stalking and monitoring. Allan Ball, national director of White Ribbon Australia, said that such technology is already being used for domestic violence and “technology-facilitated abuse is on the rise”. Ball called for a strong response from “all of us” to stop such behaviour, adding perpetrators should “reflect on their power and dominance dynamics for progress to be made”.
Emerging safety concerns arise with iPhone iOS 17 software update.
Apple has announced that it will be rolling out a new update to its software that includes the “Check-In” feature, which has triggered safety concerns among social media users. This feature is integrated with the text messaging function, allowing users to notify a family member or friend when they have safely arrived at their final destination. The release adds that if the user is not making progress towards their destination, information, such as device location, battery life, and cell service status, will be temporarily shared with the selected contact on an encrypted end-to-end basis. While some social media users praised the new feature for giving them peace of mind for their loved ones’ safety, others have expressed their concern that it could be misused by controlling partners, leading to abusive behaviour. White Ribbon Australia’s national director, Allan Ball, explained that technology-facilitated abuse is on the rise, enabling offenders to harass and control their victims digitally. Concerned supporters have demanded Apple address such concerns.