Starmer Demands Tech Giants Block Under-18 Access to Nude Imagery on UK Devices

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has instructed technology firms to either activate existing safety features or update operating systems to prevent individuals under 18 from capturing, transmitting, or viewing sexually explicit images on their devices in the UK.

Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer stated, "This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it."

The government has confirmed it will pursue legislation to mandate the activation of these features if companies do not voluntarily comply within three months. Non-compliance could result in substantial fines or, as a final measure, criminal liability for the corporations involved. These changes would apply to both current and newly sold smartphones and tablets across the UK, covering operating system providers and other supply chain entities, such as retailers. The measures will not impact adult users who can verify their age.

Industry Response and Prior Legislation

A Google spokesperson affirmed the company's "deep commitment to protecting children online," stating they are "working constructively with UK partners to find effective, privacy-preserving solutions." Apple already verifies the age of its UK users and provides a blocking service on its proprietary platforms, including iMessage.

The UK has existing legislation, notably the Online Safety Act, which imposes duties on online platforms, enforced by Ofcom. However, child safety advocates have consistently pressed the government for further action, citing concerns over online grooming and sextortion. Government data indicates that 91% of online child sexual abuse reports in 2024 involved self-generated content from children, with the average child reportedly viewing pornography by age 13.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood asserted that tech companies "have a moral duty to act by making it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images. If they don't, we will legislate." Technology Secretary Liz Kendall added, "Companies should switch these protections on by default, for every child, on every device. We are giving them three months to show us that they will do the right thing."

Criticism and Support

Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement as "an important step forward for child protection." However, he criticised the government's communication strategy, suggesting that "Number 10 needs to start urgently listening to experts and the evidence, rather than rush out hurried announcements for short-term expediency that will quickly unravel and continue to let tech firms off the hook for preventable harm."

Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, condemned the plans, arguing they would "fail to address the underlying causes of online harm." She stated, "Put simply, the Labour government is threatening ID checks for the internet. No-one in a democracy should need to show their passport just to get online." Conversely, Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, expressed strong support, declaring, "Time is up for big tech."

This initiative follows Labour MP Jess Phillips's resignation as safeguarding minister earlier this year, where she reportedly accused Starmer of being slow to legislate on preventing children from creating nude images of themselves, despite available technology.