The new software feature is part of a suite of tools Apple is building to fight child exploitation and abuse. 

Apple will begin beta testing a text messaging feature that will prevent children from sending or receiving explicit photos. Apple tweaked the new iMessage function after getting comments from critics, and it's part of a slew of new tools aimed at combating child abuse. 

Apple's new iMessage feature will look at attachments in messages sent to kids to see whether they include nudity. Apple stated that as part of the process, message encryption would be maintained and that the function is meant to ensure that no photo or signal of detection escapes the device. 

The tech giant also stated that the system's operation has been altered. Apple had planned to notify parents of children under the age of 13 if their children viewed or received a flagged image regardless. Apple will now allow children to choose whether or not to notify someone they trust. And it has nothing to do with whether or not they see the image. 

Apple's move is the latest in a series of initiatives by the corporation to integrate kid safety features into its gadgets. Apple revealed intentions to develop its iMessage system and a tool to detect child exploitation pictures saved on select Apple devices earlier this year. Apple claimed to have developed technology to prevent its servers from scanning the photographs, as many other firms do now, including Facebook, Microsoft, and Twitter. Instead, the tech would use the phone to scan photos. 

Apple said that it is increasing the assistance that its Siri speech assistant will offer when children or parents inquire about difficult topics as part of its messaging feature. This offers details on how and where to file child exploitation reports.