Tech Firms Given Deadline to Protect Children

The UK government has given major technology companies, including Apple and Google, three months to strengthen protections that prevent children from taking, sending, or viewing nude images on smartphones and tablets.

Speaking at London Tech Week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said technology firms should activate existing safety features or develop new tools to block sexually explicit content for users under 18. He argued that companies have the technical ability to solve the problem and should act voluntarily before the government introduces new legislation.

Under the proposals, the rules would apply to both existing devices and newly sold smartphones and tablets in the UK. If companies fail to comply, the government could introduce legal measures, including financial penalties and, in extreme cases, criminal liability for businesses that refuse to implement child-protection measures.

The government emphasized that adults who verify their age would still be able to access legal content without restrictions.

Existing Safety Measures

Google said it is committed to protecting children online and is working with UK authorities on privacy-focused solutions that reduce harmful content while maintaining user safety.

Apple already provides several child-safety features in the UK. Its Communication Safety system can detect nude images and videos in services such as Messages, AirDrop, and FaceTime for users with Child Accounts. The feature warns young users about sensitive content, offers reporting options, and directs them to support resources. It is enabled by default for children and can also be activated by parents for teenagers through family settings.

Government Push for Stronger Online Protections

The initiative builds on the UK’s existing online safety framework, particularly the Online Safety Act, which is enforced by Ofcom.

Ministers argue that stronger action is needed because of rising concerns about online grooming, sextortion, and children sharing self-generated explicit images. According to government figures, 91% of online child sexual abuse reports in 2024 involved content created by children themselves. Officials also claim that the average child encounters pornography by age 13.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said technology companies have a moral responsibility to make it impossible for children to create, share, or view nude images online. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall added that child-safety protections should be switched on by default for every child on every device.

Debate Over Privacy and Surveillance

The proposal has received support from child-safety organizations but has also raised concerns among privacy advocates.

Molly Rose Foundation welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step toward improving child protection online. The charity urged the government to ensure technology companies are held accountable for implementing meaningful changes.

However, critics argue that stronger age-verification systems could create privacy risks. Big Brother Watch warned that the plans could lead to widespread identity checks for internet access, while Open Rights Group expressed concern that expanded monitoring systems could increase digital surveillance.

Government officials rejected those claims, insisting that the proposals are designed to protect children rather than monitor citizens.

Wider Social Media Restrictions Under Consideration

The announcement comes as the UK government considers broader measures to limit young people’s access to social media. Ministers are consulting on options that include minimum age requirements, restrictions on addictive platform features, and potential limits on social media use for children under 16.

The debate follows criticism from former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, who resigned earlier this year and argued that the government had been too slow to threaten legislation despite the availability of technology capable of preventing children from creating and sharing explicit images.

The government says it hopes voluntary cooperation from technology companies will make new legislation unnecessary, but has made clear it is prepared to act if firms fail to introduce stronger protections within the next three months.