iCloud for Windows: users have access to other people’s photos

A notable issue exists with iCloud for Windows, with several users reporting having photos and videos in their library from people they don’t know.

Several testimonies collected by MacRumors report of iCloud for Windows users who suddenly saw photos and videos appearing in their library. These contents come from other users with whom they have no contact, access or otherwise. This is obviously a problem and it is above all a concern in terms of respect for privacy.

There is also the case of people having corrupted videos once they are synchronized with iCloud for Windows, after being shot from an iPhone (especially iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro). Videos turn black with scan lines. The videos thus become impossible to watch.

Here is what one of the users says:

iCloud for Windows corrupts recorded videos from iPhone 14 Pro Max resulting in black videos with scan lines. On rare occasions, there are photos in videos from unknown sources, possibly other people’s iCloud accounts. I was shown family photos of other people I’ve never seen in my life, football games and other random photos. Obviously, this is extremely concerning and doesn’t really make me feel like I’m using iCloud safely.

Apple hasn’t reacted to this story yet, but it’s sure the company is going to have to look into it because it’s problematic on many levels.

Recently, iCloud for Windows was updated to have access to iCloud photos from Microsoft’s Photos app.