Apple will refuse requests to use child abuse detection tool for other purposes

Apple has faced questions about whether new technology to limit the spread of child sexual abuse material could be used to invade people’s privacy (Yui Mok/PA)

Apple has defended its new iPhone safety tools used to detect child sexual abuse content, saying it will not allow the technology to be exploited by governments for other purposes.

Privacy concerns were raised last week when the tech giant announced the move, which is designed to protect young people and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).