iCloud private relay: Google blocks temporarily access from Apple devices

Google tries to prevent the improper use of its services, be it now in its search, map service maps or more special offers such as Google Scholar. Automated systems are intended to intercept robot inquiries that patter on the machines, for example, via virtual private network (VPN). The problem: This affects that legitimate users are also affected-and have recently become more and more frequently used by Apple hardware in certain configurations. These often have to solve annoying captchas several times, but are sometimes also blocked and the services must not use.

icloud private relay = evil

In the case of the Apple user, the reason is probably the security service iCloud private relay. This optional function for paying iCloud+customers ensures that websites do not experience the actual IP origin address of a user so that it can be tracked less easily. Apple will continue to forward inquiries via two relay stations. However, Google’s systems now seem to believe that the iCloud-private relay users are malicious data traffic. They then end up in the said captcha and blockade loop.

Above all, users who use the Apple Safari browsers on the MAC, the iCloud private relay when activated are activated, seem to be used by this. iPhone users rarely fall into the trap. There is also no system behind the blockages: Sometimes it seems that they occur as soon as you ask inquiries too quickly, sometimes if it seems to be too brisk in a row. Then the blockade does not take place for hours.

Google Scholar blocks completely

Google’s defense services seem to handle iCloud private relay differently, possibly dependent on which origin-IP Apple assigns the user. In our experiments, the blockade took place particularly often in Google Maps, but the main search is also affected – even if you are logged in to Google. Sometimes it helps to wait and use a browser without iCloud private relay (such as Firefox or Chrome). As mentioned, solving the captcha is not always helpful: Even if this is done correctly, some users remain blocked. The Google Science Service Scholar in turn reports that the iCloud-private relay user temporarily report in May basically blocked also has, here too those who had an account.

It is by no means the case that Google iCloud private relay could not recognize as such. Apple published The address areas used regularlyso that the network management of the internet giant could actually be easy to let them through.

Problems again and again

In the past, there were repeated problems in connection with iCloud Private Relay. Apple had multiple long failures and various service providers such as Kleininzeichen.de ordered the accounts created as fraudulent.