Prime Minister 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. Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said tech companies must activate nudity-detection algorithms or other technical solutions to prevent users from taking or sharing images of genitalia unless verified as adults.
If the firms do not comply within three months, the government will bring forward legislation requiring such protections on all phones and tablets sold in the UK. Non-compliant tech firms could face fines, and senior managers could be made criminally liable. The announcement follows an explosion in child sexual abuse referrals, with the National Crime Agency receiving 1,700 referrals weekly.
Last year, nine in 10 child abuse images were generated by children, many tricked or blackmailed by abusers met online. Online grooming cases have risen to 7,000 annually. Under the changes, sexual predators would be prevented from exploiting victims through devices, and children would be blocked from accessing pornography. Adults would still be able to view nude content after age verification.
Labour MPs urged the prime minister to legislate immediately rather than wait. Melanie Ward said it was time to stop asking and start requiring safety through regulation. Clive Efford described social media executives as 'sociopaths' who only respond to legislation. The proposal complements the Online Safety Act, which requires companies to remove illegal or harmful content.
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 for children. Whitehall sources noted Home Office support but concerns about Treasury susceptibility to tech lobbying. Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips welcomed the plan but urged clear red lines and robust legislation if the voluntary approach fails.
