UK Demands Tech Firms Block Children from Sharing Nude Images or Face Fines
Government Pushes for Enhanced Online Child Safety Measures
LONDON, June 8 (Reuters) - Big tech firms operating in Britain must introduce safety measures on children's phones to prevent them from circulating nude images or they will face legislation forcing them to do so, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.
New Plans for Device Controls
Under the new plans, firms like Apple and Google should build or activate technical solutions on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children, the government said. Adults would still be able to take, share or view nude content through an age verification process.
Prime Minister's Statement at London Tech Week
"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 in a speech at London Tech Week. "This is not an impossible challenge."
Potential Legislation and Penalties
A statement accompanying Starmer's announcement said if companies did not act within three months, the government would bring forward legislation to force them to activate the technology.
Fines and Criminal Liability
"This will include fines for companies. Nothing is off the table, and as a last resort the government is exploring whether this could extend criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply," the government statement said.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Elizabeth Piper, writing by William James; Editing by Kate Holton)
