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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned major technology companies they must introduce safeguards to stop children from sending or receiving explicit images, or face new legislation within months.
Speaking at London Tech Week on Monday, Starmer said firms operating in the UK would be required to implement device-level controls to block nude content involving minors.
“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,” he said. “This is not an impossible challenge.”
Under the proposals, companies such as Apple and Google would need to activate or develop tools capable of detecting and blocking such material across smartphones and tablets. Adults would still be able to access explicit content through age verification systems.
If firms fail to act within three months, the government has said it is prepared to introduce legislation, including fines and, as a last resort, potential criminal liability for executives.
He reiterated the calls on X.
Push to curb online harms
The move forms part of a broader effort by the UK government to address online risks facing children, including grooming and sextortion.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the measures are aimed at preventing abuse rather than increasing surveillance.
“This technology is already on devices. The tech firms just need to switch it on to block children from seeing nude imagery. There is no reporting, no data collection, no monitoring, and no images leaving the device,” she said.
Mixed reactions from campaigners and politicians
The announcement has drawn a divided response.
Child protection charities, including the NSPCC, welcomed the proposal, calling it a necessary step to tackle online exploitation. Chief executive Chris Sherwood said stronger safeguards could prevent “devastating harm” if implemented swiftly, per the BBC.
However, privacy advocates have raised concerns. Campaign group Big Brother Watch warned the plans could pave the way for intrusive monitoring of personal devices.
Political reaction has also been mixed. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned how the measures would work in practice, arguing that restricting certain features alone would not be sufficient.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper criticised the timing, suggesting the government had delayed action for too long, the BBC reports.
Industry response
Google said it was working with UK authorities on solutions, per Reuters.
“We are working constructively with UK partners to find effective, privacy-preserving solutions that deter the spread of harmful content while ensuring a safe digital environment for young people,” a spokesperson said.
Apple did not immediately comment.
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