Apple and Google given three months to ban nude images on children's devices

Tech companies such as Apple and Google have been asked by the UK government to block access to naked images on smartphones and other devices for under-18s.

Sir Keir Starmer has told firms to either activate built-in features or update software to prevent children from taking, sending or viewing sexually explicit images on their phones and other devices.

Speaking at London Tech Week, the prime minister 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 government said it will bring forward legislation to force firms to activate the features if they do not comply voluntarily within three months.

This could include fines or, as a last resort, criminal liability for companies which do not comply.

The prime minister said the changes would apply to both existing and newly-sold smartphones and tablets in the UK.

"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," he said.

In response, a Google spokesperson said it was "deeply committed to protecting children online."

"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."

Apple has not responded to the BBC's request for comment.

How might the measures work?

It is unclear what action firms will take in response to Monday's announcement.

But a number of tech companies already have methods in place to try and prevent children from seeing or sharing nude imagery.

Apple recently began asking UK iPhone users to verify their age in a bid to make sure only adults access apps and sites for people intended for users over 18.

It also offers a service blocking nude imagery for children on several of its own apps including iMessage.

Its "Communication Safety" feature warns children who have a Child Account when they send or receive images and videos containing nudity across Messages, AirDrop and FaceTime.

The tool, which is turned on by default for those under 18 with a Child Account and which parents can enable for teens in iCloud Family settings, lets children report nude images or videos to Apple and also points them towards help and support.

Google's own Messages app, running across Android handsets, has similar settings in place, external to blur sensitive content for users supervised by a parent or guardian.

A number of third-party companies have also developed tech to detect and block children from capturing or sharing nude images.

The government has highlighted an AI tool developed by safety tech firm SafeToNet as showing how firms can safely scale on-device detection and blocking of nude images for children.

However some believe the government's call for firms to expand their own tools to apps they do not operate, and turn them on by default for all users, could impact user privacy - such as by making adults verify their age in order to opt out of or disable nude image blocking.

The UK has also already introduced laws to try to protect children online. Foremost is the Online Safety Act - laws and duties online platforms must follow - implemented and enforced by media regulator Ofcom.

However, child safety campaigners have urged the government to go further to stop children seeing or sharing nude images, amid concerns about online grooming and sextortion.

The government said 91% of online child sexual abuse reports recorded in 2024 contained self-generated content from children themselves and the average child now views pornography by the age of 13.

The plans would not prevent adults – anyone over 18 – from accessing naked imagery.

Sir Keir Starmer was speaking as part of London Tech Week 2026

The news comes as Starmer is believed to be preparing to announce a crackdown on children's access to social media within days, including a speech on potential policy expected next week.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said tech companies "have a moral duty to act by making it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images. If they don't, we will legislate".

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Companies should switch these protections on by default, for every child, on every device. We are giving them three months to show us that they will do the right thing."

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