Starmer issues three-month ultimatum for tech firms to ban nude images on children’s phones
Sir Keir Starmer has given tech companies a three-month ultimatum to introduce device controls to prevent children sending, receiving or viewing nude images.
The Prime Minister warned that firms such as Apple and Google, which both make handheld devices, would face legislation forcing them to activate the restrictive technology if they did not comply with the changes by September.
Speaking at London Technology Week, Sir Keir said “standing by is not an option”, adding that “the pace of change is no excuse for doing harm”. But he has been called on to “go much further” on the measures and criticized by some political opponents, with his delay in enforcing the ban until a leadership race looms on the horizon described as “extremely regrettable”.
“One of the problems is that children with phones can send and receive nude images,” Sir Keir said on Monday. “For too long people have been told that this is the price of modern technology, that nothing can be done, that the government is powerless, that parents must accept this. I completely reject this because technology needs to adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around.”
“That’s why today I’m calling on tech companies operating in this country to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images. Because it’s not an impossible problem. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve this problem. But if they choose not to do so, we will take action and change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option.”
The government is trying to force tech companies to enable built-in features on their devices or find technological solutions to detect and block nude images on phones and tablets. He called on tech companies to block nudity on every device by default; This means users must verify that they are over 18 years of age if they want to receive or view such content. Firms must implement the changes within three months or face new legislation that could lead to fines and, in the last resort, criminal liability for tech bosses.
Jess Phillips, a former conservation minister, resigned from the government last month after claiming Sir Kier refused to introduce such legislation when he presented a solution a year ago because he was “worried about tech bosses”.
he said Independent: “I’m glad the government has announced this: the three-month window that will allow Google and Apple to block all devices and operating systems from receiving nude images of children is entirely possible. I will work with the government on the strongest possible legislation to prevent children being tricked and trained by pedophiles to receive and send nude images. The damage I have seen is unimaginable to most.”
Sir Keir faced criticism for his delay in announcing the ban and his decision not to implement the legislation immediately. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said the move was “an idea without a proper plan” and called for children to be removed from social media. The Liberal Democrats said it was “extremely regrettable” it had taken Sir Keir so long to act.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman denied Sir Keir was rushing into this, saying: “It’s important to get this right and that’s why we’re working with the tech industry to get this done, and that’s why we’re notifying companies today to either take action within these three months or legislate to force them. But we believe companies will want to continue working with us, building on the progress they’ve already made.”
“Companies have already taken steps to implement nudity detection and age verification, so it’s not a big ask to see these implemented in a way that better protects children.”
Almost all smartphones sold in the UK run on either Apple or Google operating systems.
Home Office officials said Apple has already taken action on age checks for iPhone users, making it the first company to enable security features by default for those under 18. However, nudity detection does not apply to the camera, third-party messaging apps or search functions. They added that they were already working on the draft law, but did not say how long it would take for it to become law.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said: “As a society, we have failed to keep up with the changing threats facing children. Online abuse is rampant and we will not tolerate it. Tech companies have a moral duty to act by making it impossible for children to take, share or view nude photos. Otherwise we will legislate.”
