Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told Apple and Google to block access to naked images on smartphones and other devices for under-18s, warning he will bring forward legislation if they do not comply voluntarily within three months.
Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said the firms must either activate built-in features or update software to prevent children from taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on their phones. “This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it,” he said.
“Starmer gives Apple and Google three months to block nude images on children's phones or face legislation.”
The government said it will introduce legislation to force firms to activate the features if they fail to comply voluntarily by the autumn. The law could include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for companies which do not comply. The changes would apply to both existing and newly-sold smartphones and tablets in the UK. Starmer stressed that “legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age.”
A number of tech companies already have methods in place to try and prevent children from seeing or sharing nude imagery. Apple recently began asking UK iPhone users to verify their age to ensure only adults access apps and sites for people intended for users over 18. Its “Communication Safety” feature, turned on by default for those under 18 with a Child Account, warns children when they send or receive images and videos containing nudity across Messages, AirDrop and FaceTime. The tool lets children report nude images to Apple and points them towards help and support. Google’s own Messages app, running across Android handsets, has similar settings to blur sensitive content for users supervised by a parent or guardian.
In response, a Google spokesperson said it was “deeply committed to protecting children online. We are working constructively with UK partners to find effective, privacy-preserving solutions that deter the spread of harmful content while ensuring a safe digital environment for young people.” Apple has not responded to the BBC’s request for comment.
The government has highlighted an AI tool developed by safety tech firm SafeToNet as showing how firms can safely scale on-device detection and blocking of nude images for children. It is unclear what action the tech giants will take in response to Monday’s announcement.