A significant software bug in Apple’s parental controls has been discovered, allowing restricted access to inappropriate content despite settings to block such sites.
A parent found that by entering a specific string of characters into the Safari browser on his son’s iPad, he could access X-rated material, violent images, and information on illicit drugs, bypassing the restrictions set through Apple’s Screen Time, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Vienna-based security researchers Andreas Jägersberger and Ro Achterberg reported this issue to Apple multiple times over the past three years, but the company didn’t do anything about it. So they reached out to Joanna Stern at the WSJ.
Only after being contacted by Stern, Apple stated it plans to address the bug in an upcoming software update. This flaw has not been widely known or exploited, but it poses serious concerns for parents relying on Screen Time to safeguard their children’s online activity.
Apple’s parental-control software has faced numerous bugs, with many parents reporting issues like ineffective app time restrictions and inaccurate usage tracking.
An Apple spokeswoman emphasized the company’s commitment to improving Screen Time, noting that the latest iOS 17.5 includes substantial fixes. “We take reports of issues regarding Screen Time very seriously and have been consistently making improvements to ensure users have the best experience,” said Apple. “Our work is not done and we will continue to make updates in upcoming software releases.”
The bottom line? Apple’s Screen Time controls need a major overhaul. They either don’t work or are too hard to set up. Even if app limits are set up, your kids can request “1 more minute” and have full access, without requiring permission from you. How does that even make sense? 1 minute from each app adds up and next thing you know, screen time has reached 30 minutes or more beyond limits, depending on how many apps are installed.
Apple said it was “aware of an issue with an underlying web technology protocol for developers, which allows for a user to bypass web content restrictions.” She said “a fix has been planned for the next software update.”
The company also said the flaw was a software issue, not a security vulnerability. Still, dismissing the issue and taking three years to fix it? That’s inexcusable and shows how Apple needs to step up, especially when white hat security researchers are helping report this stuff to you. Also–when the heck is Screen Time going to be available for Apple TV?
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