UK Government Requires Apple and Google to Enable On-Device Nudity Detection on Smartphones and Tablets

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that technology companies must introduce device-level controls on smartphones and tablets sold in Britain to prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images. Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said companies would be required to activate or develop tools that detect and block such material.

He stated that firms must activate nudity-detection algorithms or other technical solutions to prevent users taking photos or sharing images of genitalia unless they are verified as adults.

“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. Adults would still be able to access explicit content through age verification systems. The government gave companies three months to act.

If firms fail to comply by September 2026, ministers are prepared to introduce new legislation that would include fines and, as a last resort, potential criminal liability for executives. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the measures are aimed at preventing abuse. “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. The announcement forms part of a wider effort to address online risks to children, including grooming and sextortion.

The approach would rely on on-device tools already available to Apple and Google. The NSPCC welcomed the proposal. Chief executive Chris Sherwood said stronger safeguards could prevent “devastating harm” if implemented swiftly.

Google said it was working constructively with UK partners. Apple did not immediately comment. Starmer reiterated the call on X.