Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a directive to technology companies requiring them to implement measures that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images on their devices. If firms fail to comply voluntarily, Starmer warned that his government would amend the law to enforce such controls.
Government's Stance on Child Safety
Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer addressed the issue directly, stating: 'One issue is the ability for children with phones to send and receive nude images. For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing could be done, that government is powerless. That parents just have to accept it. But I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around.'
The Prime Minister emphasised that introducing such protections is 'not an impossible challenge,' adding: 'These are some of the most innovative companies in the world, and I believe they can solve it.'
UK to Lead Global Efforts
The Home Office confirmed that this move would make the United Kingdom the first country globally to make it impossible for children to take, share, or view nude images. Adults would be required to undergo an 'age verification process' before accessing such content.
A Home Office source revealed that Apple and Google already employ nudity detection software in their native messaging applications. However, to meet the government's requirements, this technology must be integrated into the device's operating system. Companies have been given three months to demonstrate how they will implement these changes on both existing and newly sold devices.
Support from Children's Charities
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the children's charity NSPCC, praised the announcement, calling it 'a major step forward in our fight against online child sexual abuse.' He stated: 'Every day these protections are not in place, more children will continue to face devastating harm in the online world. That's why we strongly support government's decision to make it mandatory for these companies to block inappropriate material at device level.'
Political Context
Last month, Labour MP Jess Phillips resigned as Minister for Safeguarding, criticising Starmer's approach in a letter. She wrote: 'The technology exists to stop children being able to take naked images of themselves. We could make this possible on every phone and device in the country. We could stop this abuse. It has taken me a year to get you to agree to even threaten to legislate in this space. Not legislate, just threaten. This is the definition of incremental change.'
However, speaking to Sky News, Phillips expressed satisfaction, saying: 'I am delighted that finally we are at this stage. This is going to fall to Apple and Google – they are the device manufacturers and the operating systems leaders – to look very, very fast at how they can stop children taking naked images of themselves. When I'm in London for work, I see the cars driving around with Google written on them that are learning to drive without a driver – I believe Apple and Google could probably do this overnight.'
