iOS Flaw enables inappropriate Image Search

I live in a religious community that generally prioritizes avoiding inappropriate internet content. I keep my phone as secure as possible for my family for the same reasons. However there is a flaw in the iOS that limits this for me. I consider this to be a major compromise in Apple's pursuit of providing safe usage for iPhone for all ages.


(1) I have "screen time" password protected so settings cannot be changed.

(2) My phone's Internet browser is highly limited on my phone, with only select websites accessible in parental controls. (called a "white list).

(3) I removed the app store so that no new apps can be downloaded.

(4) i disabled explicit searches in "siri" settings.


However, since an iOS update around a year ago, there is an important hole in the software that enables access to photos even with the browser disabled. I will explain where this happens:


(1) When on iPhone home screen, swipe to the right to reveal the "search bar". See picture for depiction of search bar.


(2) Searching for many types of pictures will return photos, including inappropriate ones. I could provide a "worse" example, but i will spare you.


I spoke to Apple support, and there is a way to shut this function off. Pictures below. To disable the above searching you must access "Siri & Search" menu in settings and then switch off "show in spotlight" and "show in lookup". HOWEVER THIS SETTING IS NOT PASSWORD PROTECTED.



Now, here is my request: Please move the "show in spotlight" and "show in lookup" switches to a menu WITHIN SCREEN TIME so that this setting can be password protected. This would dramatically increase the safety of my family's (and community's) iphone experience. This is very important to me, and many other people in my religious community who seek to make the iPhone as safe as possible.


Thank you for taking the time, and feel free to message me if you have any questions. Thank you!


Best,

Michael



iPhone 12, iOS 15

Posted on May 18, 2022 11:40 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 18, 2022 11:47 AM

You are NOT talking to Apple. This is a user forum.


If you want to send Apple feedback, you can do so at https://apple.com/feedback.


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iOS Flaw enables inappropriate Image Search

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