Starmer gives big tech three months to block children from accessing nude images

Keir Starmer has told tech firms to stop under-18s from accessing nude images on their smartphones.

Legislation forcing tech giants like Google and Apple to enable block functions on devices used by children is promised unless companies take voluntary action within three months.

Starmer said: “This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it.”

The UK Government wants technical solutions to prevent juveniles from viewing, taking or sending sexually explicit images on smartphones and similar devices.

It says the activation of built-in features or updates to operating systems could provide the solution.

Companies which do not comply could face fines or criminal proceedings and both new and existing devices are to be covered.

Starmer said: “Legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age.”

Parliament has already passed the Online Safety Act in a bid to clean up the digital space. But critics say it fails to go far enough to prevent children from abuse and exploitation such as online grooming and sextortion.

Resigning as safeguarding minister last month, Jess Phillips MP accused Starmer of being too slow to act.

Apple’s UK users are age-verified and a blocking service is provided on its platforms like iMessage.

Google said it is “deeply committed to protecting children online” and is “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”.