If Apple wishes to scan what's on their servers, that is their prerogative. They can use their compute resources and energy to do so. You needn't install spyware on a person's device that is of no benefit to the user. I'll reiterate, this can only ever be harmful to the user. Its utility right now is at its absolute best and most altruistic and it is still a violation of people's privacy and stealing computing resources from the device owner.
> That’s also an opt-in service, and frankly it seems entirely reasonable for Apple not to want their servers to be used as a repository or hub for child porn.
This will not stop their servers being used as a repository for illicit materials, if that is what you're suggesting.
They have to scan for CSAM by US law.
The EU and UK are in the process of passing laws requiring scanning.
This is an obvious misrepresentation. An opt-in system to detect when adults are trying to groom kids by sending them porn seems like the opposite of harm. I imagine a lot of parents want that.
As for scanning what gets sent to iCloud. That’s also an opt-in service, and frankly it seems entirely reasonable for Apple not to want their servers to be used as a repository or hub for child porn.