Apple has decided to delay its plan to scan iPhones or iPads for child sex abuse images to “protect children” after facing fierce backlash. “Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers, and others, we have decided to take additional time over the coming months to collect input and make improvements before releasing these critically important child safety features,” Apple announced on its website Friday. On Aug. 5, Apple declared an “ambitious” plan of “Expanded Protections for Children.” The Cupertino-based tech giant said it would introduce new child safety features in three areas, of which the feature to detect child sexual abuse material in iPhones and iPads is the most controversial. Apple’s program will utilize breakthrough cryptography technology and artificial intelligence to find abuse material when it is stored in iCloud Photos. Illegal images will be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the tech giant said at the time. On …