The prime minister has told Apple and Google to block access to naked images on children's smartphones within three months – or face fines and even criminal liability. Speaking at London Tech Week, Sir Keir Starmer said the tech giants must activate built-in features or update software to prevent under-18s from taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on their devices.
"This is not an impossible challenge," Starmer said. "These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it."
“Starmer gives Apple and Google three months to block nude images on children's phones or face penalties.”
The government will bring forward legislation to force compliance if firms do not act voluntarily within three months, the prime minister announced. Measures could include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for companies that fail to comply. The changes will apply to both existing and newly-sold smartphones and tablets in the UK, but will not affect devices used by adults who verify their age.
In response, a Google spokesperson said the company was "deeply committed to protecting children online" and was "working constructively with UK partners to find effective, privacy-preserving solutions". Apple, however, has not responded to the BBC's request for comment.
Some tech companies already have safeguards. Apple recently began asking UK iPhone users to verify their age to ensure only adults access age-restricted apps and sites. Its "Communication Safety" feature, turned on by default for children with a Child Account, warns them when they send or receive nude images across Messages, AirDrop and FaceTime, and directs them to support. Google's Messages app on Android handsets blurs sensitive content for users supervised by a parent or guardian.
The government has highlighted an AI tool developed by safety tech firm SafeToNet as an example of how firms can safely scale on-device detection and blocking of nudity for children. But it remains unclear what action Apple and Google will take in response to Monday's ultimatum.