LONDON — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a direct ultimatum to major technology companies: implement device-level controls to prevent children from sending or receiving sexually explicit images within three months, or face new legislation that could include fines and criminal liability for executives.
Speaking at London Tech Week on Monday, Starmer said firms operating in the United Kingdom — including Apple and Google — would be required to activate or develop tools capable of detecting and blocking such material across smartphones and tablets. Adults would retain access to explicit content through age verification systems.
“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.”
The move is part of a broader push by the UK government to address online risks facing children, including grooming and sextortion. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stressed that the measures are aimed at 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,” Mahmood said.
Mixed Reactions from Campaigners and Politicians
Child protection charities, including the NSPCC, welcomed the proposal. Chief executive Chris Sherwood said stronger safeguards could prevent “devastating harm” if implemented swiftly, according to the BBC.
However, privacy advocates have raised concerns. Campaign group Big Brother Watch warned the plans could pave the way for intrusive monitoring of personal devices. Political reaction has also been divided. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned how the measures would work in practice, arguing that restricting certain features alone would not be sufficient. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper criticised the timing, suggesting the government had delayed action for too long, the BBC reports.
Google said it was working constructively 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 told Reuters.
The UK's stance echoes broader European concerns about online child safety. Across the continent, policymakers are grappling with similar challenges, from the EU's Digital Services Act to national initiatives. The issue of online harassment and harmful content remains a pressing topic for regulators.
If firms fail to act within the three-month window, the government has said it is prepared to introduce legislation, including fines and, as a last resort, potential criminal liability for executives. Starmer reiterated his calls on X, underscoring the urgency.
The announcement comes amid a broader European debate on digital regulation, where countries like Germany and France have also pushed for stricter controls on tech giants. The UK's approach could set a precedent for other European nations considering similar measures.
