UK PM demands tech firms block explicit images for children or face laws

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told technology companies on Monday they must install safeguards to prevent children from sending and receiving explicit images. Speaking at London Tech Week, he said firms operating in Britain would need to use 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," Starmer said. "This is not an impossible challenge." Companies like Apple and Google would need to activate or develop tools that detect and block such material on smartphones and tablets. Adults could still access explicit content through age verification systems.

The government gave firms three months to comply. If they refuse, the UK will introduce legislation that includes fines and, in extreme cases, potential criminal liability for executives. Starmer repeated the call on the social media platform X.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the plan targets abuse prevention, not 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. The proposal is part of a wider government push to reduce online dangers to children, including grooming and sextortion.

Child protection groups, including the NSPCC, backed the move. Chief executive Chris Sherwood told the BBC that stronger safeguards could prevent "devastating harm" if put in place quickly. Privacy campaigners disagreed. Big Brother Watch warned the plans could lead to invasive monitoring of personal devices.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned how the measures would work in practice, saying restricting certain features alone would not be enough. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, according to the BBC, criticised the government for acting too slowly. Google said it was working with UK authorities on solutions. "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, per Reuters. Apple did not immediately comment.