Phillips: Phone nudity ban could cut online child abuse if adopted
7 reported
Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips stated that a law preventing children from taking nude images on smartphones could largely end online child sexual abuse in the UK and globally if widely adopted. Speaking on the World at One, Phillips said Google and Apple control the operating systems on almost all smartphones and could quickly install software to block such images. She noted that 91% of online child sexual abuse reports involve self-generated content and predicted abuse rates would “plummet” under the plan. Phillips said she had worked on the issue for about 18 months and heard “every single corner-cutting excuse” from tech companies, expecting further delays. She expressed willingness to help draft legislation to force action if companies do not act voluntarily. Victims minister Catherine Atkinson also described the proposed requirement as a “really significant pillar” in combating online child sexual abuse.
What’s reported
Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister, said Google and Apple control operating systems on almost all smartphones sold.
Phillips stated the companies could quickly install software to stop children taking naked pictures.
She said 91% of online child sexual abuse reports refer to self-generated content.
Phillips predicted online abuse rates would “plummet” under the plan.
She said she had worked on the issue for about 18 months and heard “every single corner-cutting excuse” from tech companies.
Phillips said she would like to contribute to drafting legislation to force action if companies do not act voluntarily.
Victims minister Catherine Atkinson also called the proposal a “really significant pillar” against online child sexual abuse.
Key figures
Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister
Catherine Atkinson, victims minister
Sources: The Guardian
