Every day, children in the UK are being groomed, blackmailed, and pressured into sharing intimate images on their smartphones — and for years, tech giants have done little to stop it. Now Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given Apple, Google and other tech firms an ultimatum: introduce software to prevent under-18s from taking, sending or receiving sexually explicit images on their devices, or face legislation that will force them to do so.
The government wants operating system providers like Apple and Google to activate built-in child safety features — or update their software — so that children cannot access nude images on smartphones and tablets. Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said these companies are among the most innovative in the world and can solve this challenge. The changes would apply to both existing and newly-sold devices in the UK, but adults who verify their age would not be affected.
“Explains the UK government's ultimatum to Apple and Google to block nude images on children's phones.”
This is not a new problem. For years, tech platforms have been accused of prioritising growth and profit over child protection. The technology to block nude images already exists: Apple’s “Communication Safety” feature, which is turned on by default for children with a Child Account, warns them when they send or receive nudity across Messages, AirDrop and FaceTime, and lets them report it. Google’s Messages app has similar settings for users supervised by a parent or guardian. But these tools are not universal, and many children remain unprotected. The government has highlighted an AI tool from safety firm SafeToNet as an example of how on-device detection can work at scale.
For UK readers, this matters directly. If you are a parent, your child’s phone could soon have mandatory protections against viewing or sharing sexually explicit content — without you having to install anything extra. Teachers and safeguarding professionals may see fewer cases of image-based abuse among pupils. And because the UK is potentially the first country in the world to mandate such measures, this could set a precedent for other nations.
Q: What exactly is the government asking tech companies to do? The government wants Apple, Google and other operating system providers to activate or update built-in features that prevent children under 18 from taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on their smartphones and other devices.
Q: What happens if tech companies don’t comply? If firms do not voluntarily introduce these measures within three months (by autumn 2026), the government will bring forward legislation to force them. This could include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for non-compliant companies.
Q: Will these measures affect adults’ phones? No. The rules are designed to apply only to devices used by children. Adults who verify their age will continue to use their devices as normal, with no restrictions on accessing or sharing nude images.
The clock is ticking: the government has given companies until the autumn to act voluntarily. If they refuse, legislation will follow. What remains unclear is exactly which features will be mandated, and how the age-verification system for adults will work. One thing is certain: the pressure on Big Tech to prioritise child safety has never been greater.