UK Government to Mandate Tech Firms Install Software Blocking Children from Taking, Storing or Sharing Intimate Images

The UK Government will require technology companies to introduce software that prevents children from taking, storing or sharing intimate images, with an announcement on the first phase of the measures expected tomorrow. The requirement forms the initial step in an "Australian-plus" approach that combines limits on high-risk platforms for under-16s, curbs on addictive features, and stricter age-verification checks.

Companies including Google and Apple could face fines, restrictions on device sales to minors, or criminal penalties if they do not comply within 90 days.

A three-month consultation on Australia's social media ban for under-16s drew responses from 9,500 parents, of whom 89 percent backed a legal minimum age for access to social media platforms. Australia's blanket ban came into force at the end of 2025. Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner, urged ministers to extend any restrictions to all under-18s.

"If we are genuinely seeking to safeguard children from harm, we cannot allow 16 and 17-year-olds to have lesser protection," she told The Telegraph. Dame Rachel called for the measures to cover gaming websites, AI chatbots and other online services.

She also urged Sir Keir Starmer to compile a list of features companies would have to remove, including autoplay functions, infinite scrolling, "like" buttons, location-sharing tools and livestreaming capabilities.

Research cited by the commissioner showed that 15 percent of children aged 13 to 17 had encountered content promoting eating disorders and 13 percent had viewed material encouraging suicide or self-harm. She said adults had committed a "dereliction of duty" in protecting children online and argued that existing rules had not addressed addictive platform design or excessive screen time.