Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to technology companies, demanding they take immediate action to prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images on their platforms. Speaking at London Tech Week on Monday, he threatened legislation if firms fail to act.
Starmer's ultimatum to tech giants
In a keynote address, Starmer criticised the prevailing attitude that such issues are an unavoidable consequence of modern technology. He stated: "For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing can be done, that Government is powerless, that parents just have to accept it. I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around."
The Prime Minister specifically called on companies like Google and Apple to introduce device-level controls that would prevent minors from sharing nude images. He emphasised that these are among the most innovative companies globally and are capable of solving this challenge.
Government ready to legislate
Starmer made it clear that if the industry does not comply voluntarily, the Government will enact laws to compel them. "If they choose not to, then we will act and we will change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option," he declared.
This announcement comes alongside reports that ministers are considering a ban on social media for children under 16, as part of a broader crackdown on online harms.
Support from safeguarding advocates
Jess Phillips, the former safeguarding minister who resigned citing this issue, expressed relief at the Prime Minister's stance. "My reaction is one of relief that this has happened," she said. "I look forward to working with the Government on what the legislation needs to be to make sure that no child can ever be tricked into taking naked images of themselves for the use of global paedophile networks."
UK's role in tech revolution
Beyond the warning, Starmer painted a vision of Britain as a global leader in the technological revolution, particularly in artificial intelligence. He noted that the UK is the third-largest technology economy in the world and that its start-ups have raised nearly half of all European tech investment this year.
"It is a revolution with the potential to transform lives, to strengthen communities, and create opportunities right across the country and a revolution that Britain is uniquely placed to lead," he concluded.
