UK Government Urges Tech Firms to Block Nude Images on Children's Devices
The UK government has requested technology companies, including Apple and Google, to restrict access to nude images on smartphones and other devices used by individuals under 18 years old.
Sir Keir Starmer has instructed these companies to either enable existing built-in features or update their operating systems to prevent children from creating, sharing, or viewing sexually explicit images on their devices.
Speaking at London Tech Week, the prime minister stated:
"This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it."
The government announced plans to introduce legislation compelling companies to activate such protective features if they fail to do so voluntarily within three months.
Potential consequences for non-compliance include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for the companies involved.
Starmer clarified that these changes would apply to both currently available and newly sold smartphones and tablets in the UK.
He added:
"Legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age."
In response, a Google spokesperson affirmed the company's commitment to child safety online:
"We are working constructively with UK partners to find effective, privacy-preserving solutions that deter the spread of harmful content while ensuring a safe digital environment for young people."
Apple has already implemented age verification for its UK users and provides blocking services on its platforms, including iMessage.
The UK has previously enacted legislation aimed at protecting children online, notably the Online Safety Act, which establishes duties for online platforms and is enforced by the media regulator Ofcom.
Despite existing laws, child safety advocates have called for more stringent measures to prevent children from viewing or sharing nude images, citing concerns about online grooming and sextortion.
The government highlighted that 91% of online child sexual abuse reports recorded in 2024 involved self-generated content from children, and that the average child encounters pornography by age 13.
These developments coincide with reports that Starmer is preparing to announce further restrictions on children's access to social media, with a policy speech anticipated next week.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the responsibility of tech companies:
"Tech companies have a moral duty to act by making it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images. If they don't, we will legislate."
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated:
"Companies should switch these protections on by default, for every child, on every device. We are giving them three months to show us that they will do the right thing."
Reactions from Child Safety Advocates and Experts
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement as "an important step forward for child protection." However, he criticized the government's communication strategy regarding this and the potential social media ban for young people:
"Number 10 needs to start urgently listening to experts and the evidence, rather than rush out hurried announcements for short-term expediency that will quickly unravel and continue to let tech firms off the hook for preventable harm."
Following a national consultation, the UK is advancing towards imposing restrictions on social media use for individuals under 16, with ministers considering measures such as age limits and bans on addictive platform features.
Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, expressed concerns about the proposed plans:
"Protecting children online is vital, but these are outrageous plans that will fail to address the underlying causes of online harm."
"Put simply, the Labour government is threatening ID checks for the internet. No-one in a democracy should need to show their passport just to get online."
Conversely, Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, strongly supported the government's approach:
"Time is up for big tech."
"Now government must focus on holding them to account to ensure this transformational change for young people's safety is quickly delivered."
Earlier this year, Labour MP Jess Phillips resigned as safeguarding minister at the Home Office, criticizing Sir Keir Starmer for being slow to threaten legislation aimed at preventing children from taking nude images of themselves despite the availability of relevant technology.
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