Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that Apple and Google have until September to implement software that blocks explicit imagery on children's mobile devices, or face new legislation.
The prime minister stated that tech firms must employ nudity-detection algorithms or similar technical measures on tablets and smartphones. These tools would prevent users from capturing or distributing images of genitalia unless they are verified as adults. If companies fail to comply within three months, the government will introduce laws requiring these protections on all devices sold in the UK.
This move follows the resignation of safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, who claimed Starmer had not done enough to prevent children from taking naked photos of themselves. Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer asserted that the UK aims to be the first nation to make it impossible for children to view, share, or capture nude images.
Starmer rejected the notion that such risks are an inevitable consequence of modern technology, arguing that tech must adapt to societal needs. He emphasized that while technology offers opportunities, it must be secured against online predators. He called on companies to implement vice controls, warning that the law will be changed if they refuse.
According to the Home Office, these measures intend to stop sexual predators from exploiting victims via devices and prevent children from accessing pornography. Adults will maintain access to such content through age verification.
The initiative addresses concerns regarding early exposure to pornography and the risk of grooming. Ministers highlighted HMD Global as an example, as the company offers a child-focused device using SafeToNet’s "HarmBlock" software to automatically block explicit content. In contrast, current sensitive content warnings from Google’s Android and Apple can be bypassed with a passcode.
This UK effort mirrors recent Australian policies encouraging the development of operating systems that detect nudity via blurring or warning messages. This proposal is intended to complement the Online Safety Act, which mandates that companies remove illegal material.
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