Government gives tech firms three months to stop children sharing explicit images after criticism over delays

Tech firms handed three-month deadline

This week, the government issued tech firms with a three-month deadline to introduce stronger protections aimed at stopping children from taking, sharing or viewing explicit images on smartphones and tablets.

Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said companies should activate existing safety features or develop new technology capable of detecting and blocking harmful content. This includes Apple and Google which currently control the operating systems on almost all smartphones. The proposed measures could require adults to verify their age before accessing or creating explicit material on devices.

Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer said the government would introduce legislation if technology companies fail to act voluntarily. The plans could ultimately lead to fines or criminal liability for senior tech executives.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

“As a society, we have not kept pace with the changing threats that children face. Abuse online is far too common, and we will not tolerate it.

“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.”

Education Secretary, Bridget  Phillipson, said:

“Parents are trying to navigate challenges previous generations never faced, and they deserve clear, practical support they can trust.

“Some will argue the answer is to turn back the clock and return to a world of only pens and paper. I disagree.

“Used well, technology can open up opportunities for children with SEND, personalise support and help more children succeed.

“We want every child to benefit from technology’s opportunities without sacrificing the things that matter most – their learning, their wellbeing and their childhood.”

Campaigners criticise government delays

Despite this, there has been a flurry of resignations by ministers who said they had lost confidence in Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. Internet safety and children’s rights campaigners have accused Keir Starmer of failing to act on proposals to stop children sending and receiving nude images on their phones. Jess Phillips resigned from the government saying:

“Over a year ago I presented solutions, long worked on by brilliant civil servants, that would end the ability for children in the UK to take naked images of themselves.”

The delay to a planned announcement in March added to her frustration. Ultimately, Ms Phillips said she received only an assurance that legislation could be introduced at a later date.

Technically, the Prime Minister’s announcement was only a warning. The deadline for action is not immediate; it is three months off.

Debate continues over legislation and enforcement

Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, argued that the technology already exists to blur or block nude images. She said that working with tech firms would be far quicker than legislation:

“I think that we will get to the changes sooner in this way, because you know how long legislation takes to pass… I mean, the Online Safety Act, I would say it took eight years from passing to implementation.

“We want to act quickly. The technology exists, we want it in place, and the reason why is 90 per cent of child sex abuse material, pictures, is taken by children themselves, and we believe that’s got to stop.”

Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“NAHT is clear that the ability to send or receive nude images or videos should absolutely be age restricted to safeguard children and young people.

“The impact of sharing such content can also spill over into the classroom and playground, affecting children’s happiness and wellbeing.

“Where tech firms do not act, it is only right that ministers compel them to do so, and we hope this move will be followed by further action to ensure all devices and online platforms are safe for children following the government’s recent consultation.”

The response from ministers and sector leaders suggests there is growing agreement that stronger safeguards are needed around children’s online activity, although the debate now centres on the speed at which the government have reacted. Firm action from the government on child safeguarding is, for many, overdue.