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Mon, 08 Jun 2026

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 Starmer tells Apple and Google to ban nude images on children's phones

Firms will be expected to activate built-in features to stop children accessing sexually explicit images.

*The government will bring forward legislation to force firms to activate built-in features or update software if they don't comply within three months, which could include fines or criminal liability for non-compliance.
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*Existing and newly-sold smartphones and tablets in the UK would be affected by the changes, but adults verifying their age can still access the content.
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*A number of tech companies already have methods in place to try and prevent children from seeing or sharing nude imagery, such as Apple's "Communication Safety" feature and Google's Messages app.
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*However, some critics believe the government's plans could impact user privacy, such as making adults verify their age to opt out of or disable nude image blocking.
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*The UK has already introduced laws to try to protect children online, including the Online Safety Act, but child safety campaigners have urged the government to go further to stop children seeing or sharing nude images.
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