British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned major technology companies to take stronger action to prevent children from sending and receiving nude images online.
Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said technology firms must introduce device controls and safety measures to better protect young users from harmful content. He stressed that technology should serve society and not dictate how people live.
Starmer also warned that his government is prepared to introduce new legislation if companies fail to act voluntarily. The move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen online child safety across the United Kingdom.
Britain’s Interior Ministry has given technology giants, including Apple and Google, three months to implement safety features that would block children from taking, sharing or accessing nude images on phones and tablets.
The Home Office said companies have three months to implement the measures or face penalties, with all options, including criminal sanctions, being considered. The government said the move would make the UK the first country where children would be unable to create, share or view nude images on their phones.
The policy is backed by findings from the Internet Watch Foundation, which reported that 91 percent of online child sexual abuse reports in 2024 involved content generated by children themselves. While Apple recently introduced age-verification tools and default safety features for users under 18 in the UK, the government noted that current protections do not cover device cameras, third-party messaging apps or search functions.
The announcement comes as the government reviews stricter online safety measures for young people. A consultation on banning social media access for under-16s, similar to rules adopted in Australia, ended in May, and reports suggest Starmer could soon unveil restrictions on minors’ access to certain social media platforms.
The government says the proposed measures are aimed at reducing online harms and protecting children from exploitation in the digital age.