Federal Judge Dismisses $1.2 Billion Apple iCloud Abuse Suit Over No Duty to Report
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 15
Federal Judge Dismisses $1.2 Billion Apple iCloud Abuse Suit Over No Duty to Report
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 15
Summary
A federal judge in California threw out a proposed class action accusing Apple of letting child sexual abuse material spread on iCloud, rejecting claims brought by 2,680 alleged victims.
Judge Noël Wise said no law requires companies to identify and report such material, and Apple had also argued Section 230 shields platforms from liability for user content.
The December 2024 suit said Apple introduced child-safety technology but never deployed it, and sought changes to iCloud practices plus more than $1.2 billion in damages.
Plaintiffs' lawyer Hillary Nappi said the team is reviewing the ruling, while child-safety advocates called the dismissal a blow for victims seeking accountability from Apple.
The ruling lands as scrutiny of iCloud grows: West Virginia sued Apple in February over the issue, and Kansas threatened enforcement action in March.