> If these new images never make it to the NCMEC database The remark that an image might not be in the database applies equally to all CSAM pictures, and so is

> If these new images never make it to the NCMEC database The remark that an image might not be in the database applies equally to all CSAM pictures, and so is not actually dependent on any technical aspect of the hash at all. The fact that you can modify an image to the point that it gets a different hash isn't important compared to the (separate) issue of how you keep your database up to date. And detecting old CSAM is in any case not as important as tracking and interdicting production of new images. The second remark is good, but mainly because it reminds us to demand Apple ensures that additions are scanned for malicious images before being added to the central database. If the operator determines that a certain images collides with some known public image they can notify Apple. Apple in turn modifies the hasher to dissolve the collision, roll out a patch, and can then update the database.