Starmer issues September deadline to tech giants over child safety software

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a three-month ultimatum to major technology firms, including Apple and Google, requiring them to implement software capable of blocking explicit images on children’s devices by September. Speaking at London Tech Week on Monday, Starmer stated that if the industry fails to install nudity-detection algorithms or equivalent technical solutions within this period, the government will introduce legislation mandating these protections for all devices sold in the United Kingdom.

The initiative aims to prevent minors from taking, sharing, or viewing nude imagery, while allowing adults to access such content through age verification processes. Starmer declared that the UK would become the first country in the world to make it impossible for children to take, share, or view nude images if the tech firms comply. The Home Office confirmed that the measures would prevent sexual predators from exploiting victims through devices and stop children from accessing pornography.

This announcement follows the resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who criticised the government’s slow response to the issue. In her resignation letter in May, Phillips noted that she had presented solutions over a year ago to end the ability for children to take naked images of themselves, describing the current approach as incremental change that lacked boldness. She stated that the announcement was meant to be made in March, not following a threat of legislation.

While Apple and Google’s Android operating systems have developed sensitive content warnings for younger users, these can currently be overridden by entering a passcode. Neither company offers a nudity-blocking system that works across the entire operating system, including third-party apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram. In contrast, ministers have praised HMD Global for introducing a device aimed at children that contains software called HarmBlock, produced by UK company SafeToNet, which automatically detects and blocks explicit imagery.

There is growing speculation that Starmer will adopt an “Australian-plus” model, involving a ban on a wider range of sites, restrictions on “addictive” features, and tougher age checks to prevent children circumventing the rules. This policy development comes as Starmer is reportedly carving out a political legacy while facing a potential leadership challenge from Andy Burnham, who is the favourite to win the Makerfield byelection on 18 June.