The UK government has given technology companies, including Apple and Google, three months to activate built in smartphone and tablet features that detect and block nude images involving children or face new legislation.
In a statement on Monday, the Home Office said Britain aims to become the first country to introduce nationwide protections that make it harder for children to create, share, or view explicit images on their devices.
“Tech companies like Apple and Google have three months. Activate safeguards on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children or we will bring forward legislation to force you to do so,” the Home Office said.
The government said the technology already exists on many devices but companies have yet to activate it for all young users. Officials argued that enabling the safeguards would help protect children from online exploitation and harmful content.
The Home Office also rejected claims that the proposal would invade users’ privacy, insisting the measures focus on child protection rather than surveillance.
The announcement comes as the government prepares its first national guidance on healthy screen use for children aged five to 16. The guidance will advise parents on smartphone use, social media, sleep habits, and other digital safety issues.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said parents need practical support to help children navigate an increasingly digital world, while Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said the government wants families to build healthier relationships with technology.
