politics
UK Government Directs Tech Firms to Block Nude Images on Devices Used by Children
The government announced that technology companies must activate features to prevent children from sending or receiving sexually explicit images. Companies have three months to comply or face legislation that could include fines and possible criminal liability for executives.
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The government released details on measures requiring technology companies to stop children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images on smartphones and tablets. Britain would become the first country where it is impossible for children to take, share or view naked pictures on their devices, the government said. The requirement would apply to both new and existing devices.
Big tech companies must activate built-in features or implement technical solutions to detect and block nude images for children across the whole device by default, the government said. Adults over 18 would still be able to access such content through an age verification process.
If companies do not act within three months, the government will introduce legislation to force compliance, it said. The measures could include fines, and the government is exploring criminal liability for tech executives who fail to comply as a last resort.
The government cited 2024 data showing that 91% of online child sexual abuse reports contained self-generated content from children. It also noted that the average child now views pornography by age 13.
