Keir Starmer has issued an ultimatum to Apple and Google, demanding they install software to block explicit images on children's mobile phones by September or face legislation. The prime minister made the announcement on Monday at London Tech Week, stating that tech companies must activate nudity-detection algorithms or other technical solutions on smartphones and tablets to prevent users from taking or sharing images of genitalia unless verified as adults.
Legislative threat and consequences
If businesses fail to comply within three months, the UK government will introduce legislation requiring such protections on all phones and tablets sold in the country. Tech firms that do not comply could face fines, and their senior managers could be held criminally liable. The Home Office confirmed that these changes would prevent sexual predators from exploiting children through their devices and stop children from accessing pornography.
Context and criticism
The move follows the resignation of Jess Phillips as safeguarding minister last month, who claimed Starmer had failed to halt children taking naked images of themselves. Some Labour MPs have urged the prime minister to legislate immediately rather than waiting for tech firms to act voluntarily. Melanie Ward, Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, stated that it is time to stop asking social media companies to make products safe and instead require them to do so through regulation. Clive Efford, Labour MP for Eltham and Chislehurst, described social media platform leaders as "sociopaths" with no concern for child welfare.
Rising child sexual abuse referrals
The announcement is driven by a surge in child sexual abuse referrals. The UK's National Crime Agency receives 1,700 referrals weekly, and last year nine in ten child abuse images were generated by children, many tricked or blackmailed by abusers online. Online grooming cases have risen to 7,000 annually, with organised criminal gangs and social media sites profiting from the sale of abuse images.
Technical measures and privacy concerns
Neither Apple nor Google currently offers a system-wide nudity-blocking feature. Apple is introducing age checks for iPhone and iPad users in the UK, while Google has measures to detect and blur nude images with warnings. Civil liberties groups, including Big Brother Watch, have expressed concerns about threats to anonymity and privacy. Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, warned the plans could "invoke the death of anonymity and internet privacy."
The proposal is designed to work alongside the Online Safety Act, which requires companies to remove illegal or harmful material. Whitehall sources noted that while the Home Office fully supports the plan, the Treasury may be susceptible to lobbying from tech companies. One insider questioned whether advisers to Starmer, referred to as "tech bros in No 10," would attempt to curb the plans. Google stated it is "deeply committed to protecting children online" and is working with UK partners on privacy-preserving solutions.
