The British government has called on tech companies, such as Apple and Google, to take measures to prevent minors’ access to nude content through smartphones and other devices. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has asked companies to activate already available security features or upgrade their software. The goal is to prevent the receiving, sending, or viewing of sexual content by individuals who have not reached the age of 18.
Keir Starmer threatens legislation and sanctions, the timeline
In a speech during London Tech Week, he emphasized that this request is not an impossible feat, highlighting that these are some of the most innovative companies globally, which can find technological solutions. The government stated that if companies do not respond voluntarily within the next three months, it will proceed with legislation that will make the implementation of these measures mandatory. The planned sanctions include fines, while as a last resort, criminal liability may be imposed on companies that do not comply, according to the BBC report. According to Starmer, the new regulations will apply to both existing and new devices available in the UK market. He emphasized that the legislation may cover not only operating system providers, but also other links in the chain, including retailers, while it will not affect adult users who have verified their age.
Big tech firms operating in Britain must introduce safety measures on children’s devices to prevent them from circulating sexually-explicit images or they will face legislation forcing them to do so, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said https://t.co/ombsQIdmsU pic.twitter.com/40mecutvzo
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 8, 2026
Google declared commitment to child protection, while Apple has already implemented age verification
Google highlighted its commitment to protecting children online and stated that it is already collaborating with British authorities to develop effective measures that ensure privacy. For its part, Apple has introduced age verification systems for its users in the UK, accompanied by content blocking tools in applications like iMessage. Additionally, the “Communication Safety” feature notifies children using minor accounts when they send or receive nude images or videos through Messages, AirDrop, and FaceTime. The system also allows immediate reporting of such material to Apple and provides access to supportive information.
Although the UK has already implemented the Online Safety Act, child protection organizations point out the need for stricter measures, focusing on issues such as online grooming and sexual extortion (sextortion). Government statistics from 2024 show that 91% of online child sexual abuse incidents contained material produced by the children themselves, while on average, minors are exposed to pornographic content by the age of 13. The proposed changes do not affect the right of adults over 18 to access such content. The announcement was made against the backdrop of Starmer’s upcoming measures to limit children’s access to social media platforms. More details are expected soon.
Child protection organizations welcomed the initiative
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that tech companies bear a moral responsibility to prevent the creation, sharing, or viewing of nude content by children and warned that if they do not take action, the government will proceed with legislative intervention. Meanwhile, digital rights organizations expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new measures. Big Brother Watch warned that these might lead to identity verification requirements for internet access. Additionally, the Open Rights Group highlighted the risk of increased surveillance mechanisms. On the other hand, the NSPCC, the country’s largest child protection organization, supported the initiative, noting that the time for tolerance toward big tech companies has been exhausted and called on the government to ensure immediate implementation of the measures. Finally, Labour MP Jess Phillips had resigned earlier this year from her position as minister responsible for protecting vulnerable groups, accusing Starmer of delaying the promotion of legislation to prevent the creation of nude images by children, despite the fact that the relevant technology was already available.
