Starmer gives Apple and Google ultimatum to block nude images on children's phones

The prime minister has told Apple and Google they must activate built-in features to prevent children taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on smartphones and other devices, or face legislation within months. Speaking at London Tech Week, Sir Keir Starmer said: "This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it." The government will bring forward legislation to force compliance if firms do not act voluntarily within three months. This could include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for companies that do not comply. The changes would apply to both existing and newly-sold smartphones and tablets in the UK. Starmer said legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and would not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age. A Google spokesperson said it was "deeply committed to protecting children online" and was "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 a request for comment. Yet both companies already have methods in place. Apple's "Communication Safety" feature warns children with a Child Account when they send or receive nude images across Messages, AirDrop and FaceTime, and points them towards support. Google's Messages app 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 showing how on-device detection and blocking can be scaled. The Mirror, in an opinion piece, argued that for years big tech had done little to protect children, while youngsters had been groomed, blackmailed and pressured into sharing intimate images. "Keir Starmer is right to say enough is enough," it said. "If Britain becomes the first country in the world to stop children taking, sharing and receiving explicit images on their phones, it will be a landmark moment." The technology already exists, the paper noted; what has been missing is the determination to demand its use.