The UK government has urged major technology companies to take stronger action against online harm involving minors. The focus is on preventing access to nude content on smartphones and digital devices used by under-18s. Officials say existing safety tools must be activated without delay.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said tech companies like Apple and Google must ensure stronger protections. He stressed that children should not be able to view, send, or create nude content on their devices. He added that solutions already exist and should be implemented quickly.
The government believes companies can update operating systems and safety settings to block exposure to nude content. These protections would apply to both new and existing devices. However, adult users would still have access after age verification.
Authorities have warned that legislation could follow if firms fail to act within three months. The proposed law may include heavy fines. In serious cases, companies could even face criminal liability.
The UK already has the Online Safety Act in place. It is regulated by Ofcom and places legal duties on platforms to reduce harmful material. Despite this, concerns remain about exposure to nude content among children.
Officials say current data shows rising risks online. Government figures indicate that a large number of child abuse reports involve self-generated material. Experts warn that early exposure to nude content is becoming more common.
Tech companies have responded to the government’s demands. Google said it is committed to protecting children and is working on safer solutions. Apple stated it already offers tools such as age verification and content blocking features.
Child safety groups have welcomed the move. The NSPCC said stronger action is urgently needed. It warned that children remain vulnerable to grooming and exploitation linked to nude content online.
However, some digital rights groups have raised concerns. They argue that stricter rules could lead to privacy risks and identity checks. They also say the root causes of online harm must be addressed.
The government is also reviewing possible restrictions on social media use for under-16s. This could include age limits and limits on addictive features.
In other news read more about Meta Introduces AI Tool to Estimate Teen Ages for Safer Social Media
Officials insist the priority is protecting children from harmful exposure. They say preventing access to nude content is a key step in improving online safety across the UK.
