June 9, 2022
One of the notable features that Apple brings with the iOS 16 update is the message editing feature, which allows iPhone users to edit and even unsend their texts.
“Users can edit or recall recently sent messages, recover recently deleted messages and mark conversations as unread, so they can come back to them later,” Apple’s press release said.
Aside from what Apple wants to achieve with the feature, users on the internet are now manipulating it to achieve some nefarious goals.
As is clear on social media, the new feature could allow texters to shoot their shot momentarily while hiding behind the “Undo Send” button. It could also allow some users to mess with their friends, family, or even their worst foes.
For some, Apple’s editing feature is a disinformation engine that allows users to twist statements and arguments that have already been made, and can be used by propagandists to advance a different agenda.
Despite various manipulations, it is important to note that the feature will not be free for everyone. “Users can edit or recall a message for up to 15 minutes after sending it, or recover recently deleted messages for up to 30 days after deletion,” the company’s official material states.
The sources for this piece include an article in SLATE.
