UK House of Lords to propose mandatory CSAM detection software on smartphones

The UK House of Lords plans to propose mandatory CSAM detection software on all smartphones and tablets sold in Britain, a cross-party alliance of peers and MPs aims to pass the proposal in parliament. Technology companies would be required to install the software to prevent viewing or creation of child sexual abuse material, blurring images and livestreaming of abuse.

Older devices could also receive mandatory software updates. The initiative is led by Conservative peer John Nash and Labour's Jess Phillips. The government has promised to legislate to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on devices. Nash highlighted the worldwide industry of child sexual abuse material, with Britain being one of the biggest consumers, and stressed the government's responsibility to act.

He believes that if it can be done for children's phones regarding explicit images, it can be done for child sexual abuse images on all phones. The proposal comes after the Internet Watch Foundation removed over 312,000 online child sexual abuse images last year, a 7% increase compared to 2024, and found 3,440 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse.

A public poll showed overwhelming support for tougher action to protect children and prevent adults from viewing illicit material, with 80% in favor of installing the software on their devices.