Starmer tells Apple and Google to ban nude images on children's phones

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pressed Apple and Google to block nude imagery on devices used by those under 18, anchoring the push during London Tech Week. The government aims to force built‑in controls or software updates that prevent children from taking, sending, or viewing sexually explicit content on smartphones and tablets sold in the UK, applying to both existing and newly sold devices. If voluntary measures fail within three months, legislation could compel activation of protective features, with penalties ranging from fines to criminal liability for non‑compliant firms. The scope would cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and would not affect devices owned by adults who verify their age. Apple has begun implementing child‑safety features like age verification and a Communications Safety tool in iMessage; Google offers similar on‑device protections in Messages, with on‑device detection cited as a scalable approach. The government highlighted SafeToNet’s AI tool as an example, though it remains unclear what concrete actions firms will take beyond public statements.