Apple Updates iCloud Terms of Service, Replacing Apple ID with Apple Account and Adding Child Protection Provisions

Apple Updates iCloud Terms of Service, Replacing Apple ID with Apple Account and Adding Child Protection ProvisionsApple recently notified some Mac users, requiring them to agree to new iCloud terms of service, which will come into effect on September 16th. AppleInsider, a tech media outlet, reported that the new iCloud terms of service include two main changes: replacing Apple ID with Apple Account and adding child protection provisions

Apple Updates iCloud Terms of Service, Replacing Apple ID with Apple Account and Adding Child Protection Provisions

Apple recently notified some Mac users, requiring them to agree to new iCloud terms of service, which will come into effect on September 16th. AppleInsider, a tech media outlet, reported that the new iCloud terms of service include two main changes: replacing Apple ID with Apple Account and adding child protection provisions.

According to the pop-up message, the end of the iCloud terms of service displays "Last Revised: September 16, 2024". Currently, clicking the URL link on the pop-up shows "The page you are looking for cannot be found," and is expected to come online on September 16th.

ITHome, a tech news website, checked Apple's official website. The latest revision date of the "iCloud (operated by Cloud in Guizhou) Terms and Conditions" is September 18, 2023. Comparing the September 16, 2024, and September 18, 2023, versions, two major changes were found:

1. Apple ID Replaced with Apple Account

Apple has already replaced Apple ID with Apple Account in its software ecosystem, so the update to the legal statement is expected.

2. Content and Your Conduct

The new iCloud terms of service add the following:

You agree not to use the Service to:

3. Engage in any activity that exploits, harms, or threatens children, including but not limited to creating, sharing, uploading, or storing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) or any other content that is harmful to children."

New Warning

The new terms also come with the following warning:

Avoid tracking and harassing others, uploading or downloading illegal or obscene content, infringing on intellectual property rights, and other malicious activities."

This update to the iCloud terms of service reflects Apple's emphasis on user privacy and security. The new terms aim to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and regulate users' conduct when using iCloud services.

It is worth noting that the new iCloud terms of service will come into effect on September 16th. All Mac users will need to agree to the new terms to continue using iCloud services. Users are advised to carefully read the new terms and understand the latest service regulations.