Starmer warns tech firms: stop child nude images or face legislation
8 reported2 unconfirmed
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that tech companies must prevent children from sending or receiving naked images on phones, or the government will change the law. Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said tech should adapt to society’s needs and that companies can solve the issue. The Home Office stated that measures already exist but are applied inconsistently, often switched off by default. The government cited British safety firm SafeToNet as proof that on-device blocking technology is achievable. The proposed restrictions would apply to all UK devices, both existing and newly sold, and would not affect adults who verify their age. The Home Office said the UK would become the first country where it is impossible for children to take, share, or view nude pictures on devices. If companies do not act within three months, the government will bring forward legislation including fines and possible criminal liability for tech bosses.
What’s reported
Starmer called on tech companies to introduce device controls preventing children from sending or receiving sexually explicit images.
The government will legislate if companies do not act within three months.
The Home Office says existing measures are applied inconsistently, often switched off by default, and only blur content rather than block it.
SafeToNet’s HarmBlock technology is cited as a proven example of on-device, tamperproof safeguards that block nude content in real time.
The restrictions will apply to all UK devices, including existing and newly sold smartphones and tablets.
Adults will still be able to view adult content after providing proof of age.
The government is exploring fines and criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply.
Starmer referenced the government’s response to Grok’s AI tool as an example of acting against tech threats.
Open questions
The article does not specify the exact timeline for the three-month deadline or when legislation would be introduced.
It is unclear which specific tech companies have already implemented protective features beyond Apple’s age checks.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
Richard Pursey, chair of SafeToNet
Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England
Sources: The Guardian
