The UK government is pressing technology firms to establish device controls that would curb children’s ability to send, receive, and view sexually explicit images. This call to action comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the technological feasibility of such solutions, warning that legislative measures could be considered if the companies do not take voluntary action. The appeal reflects a broader governmental effort to tackle online harms affecting minors, extending beyond existing child online safety protocols, which typically focus on regulating access to websites and social media platforms.
This initiative seeks to address the pervasive issue of minors accessing or exchanging nude images across their devices, an area yet to be comprehensively covered by existing regulations even in countries like Australia, which have imposed age-based social media restrictions and robust age-verification mandates for adult content. The UK’s effort is part of a series of measures aimed at online safety, including plans announced by the government earlier this year to ban AI tools that generate fake nude images of real individuals. Additionally, consultations on broader restrictions related to children’s smartphone and social media use are underway, considering stronger age-verification systems and enhanced parental controls.
The demand for increased protection gains urgency from alarming figures reported by the National Crime Agency (NCA), indicating nearly 100,000 cases of suspected online child sexual abuse reported in 2025. Such reports highlight the gap in regulations that currently permit the exploitation of online features for child sexual abuse, an issue underscored by senior law enforcement officials such as NCA Director General Graeme Biggar and National Police Chiefs’ Council Chief Constable Gavin Stephens. Their advocacy for more stringent protections aligns with the proposal to limit functionalities such as nude image sharing and weak age-verification systems.
While the government has yet to draft any specific legislation, Starmer’s remarks point towards a potential legal framework if voluntary measures fall short. This stance indicates a proactive approach on the UK’s part, one that urges collaboration over conflict with the tech industry to safeguard children in the digital space.
For further details on the UK’s initiatives and statements from key governmental figures, detailed information is available here.