UK to force Apple and Google to block explicit images on children’s smartphones

The UK government plans to introduce legislation forcing Apple and Google to block explicit images on children's smartphones by law, following failed talks to reach an agreement. This commitment comes after the government announced a ban on social media use for under-16s. Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, stated that the government will work on an act of parliament to prevent under-18s from taking, sharing or viewing nude images on their devices.

While talks with Google and Apple, whose operating systems are dominant in the smartphone market, have not yet produced a breakthrough, the tech companies could still reach a deal. However, Nandy believes groundbreaking legislation will likely be necessary. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, said the protections will be built into the device and switched on by default, with tech companies required to verify an adult user's age before they can take, view or send nude images.

The government also wants restrictions to apply to apps used by children, requiring further legislation. Sources familiar with the talks say there was a desire to reach a deal on both sides but significant hurdles remain, including privacy concerns on the tech side. Jess Phillips, a Labour MP and former safeguarding minister, expressed satisfaction that the UK is taking action to prevent children from producing self-generated child sexual abuse material, but urged other countries to follow suit.

Hannah Swirsky, head of policy at the Internet Watch Foundation, which monitors online child sexual abuse material, said the government's decision to take legislative action is disappointing but necessary.