Starmer says government will legislate if tech companies don’t stop children using phones to take naked images – UK politics live

From 36m agoStarmer says government will legislate if tech companies don't stop children using phones to take naked images

Keir Starmer has announced that tech companies must stop children from sending or receiving naked images of themselves, or the government will change the law.

In his speech, Starmer said:

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One issue is the ability for children with phones to send and receive nude images.

For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing can be done, that government is powerless, that parents just have to accept it.

I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around.

That is why today I am calling on tech companies operating in this country to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images.

Because this is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it.

But if they choose not to, then we will act and we will change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option.

When Jess Phillips resigned as safeguarding minister last month, she criticised Starmer for not acting more quickly to implement this plan. She said she was pushing for this more than a year ago.

SafeToNet as showing that the technology is already in place that would allow tech companies to stop children using phones to take naked pictures of themselves, or other people. The Home Office says:","elementId":"e180420f-bd5b-48d9-ae69-0ba873061c97"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

Measures to protect children already exist within smartphones and tablets, but are applied inconsistently, often switched off by default and only blurring content rather than blocking it. But the government is working closely with technology companies — some of whom, like Apple, have already taken steps to implement protective features — to make this goal a reality.\n

Companies must introduce these measures without threatening privacy or collecting any data. The device should simply block harmful content across all apps and services. Over-18s will still be able to view adult content by providing proof of age.\n

British safety tech firm SafeToNet has shown this change is already achievable, with software that blocks nude content and prevents images being taken if the camera detects a child.\n","elementId":"e2b20f09-5a3f-4fba-9ed3-6af03bfe7817"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

And this is from Richard Pursey, chair of SafeToNet.","elementId":"074e702f-4a4b-44df-bb4a-8b0249b8b6a6"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

The government is right to act. Children have been failed for too long. This news will be welcomed by parents across the UK and hopefully, will inspire other countries to follow the UK’s lead.\n

We can put an end to so much online misery with this approach. SafeToNet’s HarmBlock technology is a proven example that it is possible to make the device safe by default and not as some optional add-on. \n

We have proven that with HarmBlock, on-device, tamperproof, embedded safeguards can prevent children from seeing, filming and broadcasting explicit content. It works in real-time including livestream and crucially also protects the privacy rights of the child as no data enters or leaves the application. \n

Let’s be blunt: manufacturers have built devices capable of facilitating illegal, explicit, image-based harm to children. That’s the reality. But with this world-leading announcement we are finally shifting the battle ground of a child’s online safety to the device.\n","elementId":"f37f690c-b488-4521-9c10-230a5e670460"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1780908850000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"10.54 CEST","blockLastUpdated":1780909217000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"11.00 CEST","blockFirstPublished":1780909156000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"10.59 CEST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"10.59","title":"Measures to stop children using phones for naked images 'already exist' but not applied by tech firms, government says","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Mon 8 Jun 2026 11.01 CEST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Mon 8 Jun 2026 09.27 CEST"},{"id":"6a26817c8f08fbbd69e1b786","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The Home Office says the restrictions it wants tech companies to impose to stop children using their phones to take naked pictures would apply to all UK devices, not just new ones. In its news release it says:","elementId":"7b42a210-5445-400f-821b-0ead4b906c9b"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

The changes will apply to UK devices, including both existing and newly sold smartphones and tablets. Legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age …\n

Apple recently introduced age checks for iPhone users, making it the first company to activate safety features by default for those who are not verified as over 18. This is a significant step forward following the government’s commitments to work with industry, and one this announcement builds on.\n

Despite this, the nudity detection is not applied to the camera or broader apps, third-party messaging services, or search functions, meaning children can still take, view, share and save nude images. The government therefore wants Apple and Google to block nudity across the whole device by default, so they can only be deactivated via age assurance.\n","elementId":"a16f7433-b301-4412-b269-2055117c3575"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1780908412000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"10.46 CEST","blockLastUpdated":1780909314000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"11.01 CEST","blockFirstPublished":1780908721000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"10.52 CEST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"10.52","title":"Home Office says existing phones and tablets, as well as new ones, should be covered by proposed child nudity rules","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Mon 8 Jun 2026 11.01 CEST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Mon 8 Jun 2026 09.27 CEST"},{"id":"6a26808c8f08119910f4af5a","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The Home Office says the ban being proposed today to make it impossible for children to use their phones to take naked images of themselves or others would be a world first. In a news release it says:","elementId":"1a127143-b798-4ace-aeb1-e17d9f99825e"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

In Britain will become the first country in the world where it is impossible for children to take, share or view naked pictures on their devices, the prime minister announced today in a speech at London Tech Week.\n

Under new plans, Big Tech companies like Apple and Google must activate built-in features or implement technical solutions on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children.\n

This will prevent predators from being able to exploit and abuse victims through their devices, as well as stopping children from being able to access pornography. Adults will still be able to take, share or view nude content through an age verification process.\n

Now is the time for tech companies to step up and work with government to solve this horrific issue. If companies do not act within three months, the government will bring forward legislation to force them to activate the technology. This will include fines for companies. Nothing is off the table, and as a last resort we are exploring criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply.\n","elementId":"2b4976e3-3a62-470f-8792-31ff012f615f"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1780908172000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"10.42 CEST","blockLastUpdated":1780909264000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"11.01 CEST","blockFirstPublished":1780908376000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"10.46 CEST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"10.46","title":"UK to be first country in world where it will be impossible for children to take naked pictures on phones, Home Office says","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Mon 8 Jun 2026 11.01 CEST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Mon 8 Jun 2026 09.27 CEST"},{"id":"6a267cf78f08119910f4af33","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Keir Starmer has announced that tech companies must stop children from sending or receiving naked images of themselves, or the government will change the law.","elementId":"46596762-3353-4d7c-a8f9-864b2915a1e0"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

In his speech, Starmer said:","elementId":"743d0073-a832-435a-a553-cbfdd58ad814"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

One issue is the ability for children with phones to send and receive nude images.\n

For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing can be done, that government is powerless, that parents just have to accept it.\n

I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around.\n

That is why today I am calling on tech companies operating in this country to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images.\n

Because this is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it.\n

But if they choose not to, then we will act and we will change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option.\n","elementId":"74eb5c5c-dc3d-433f-8cc3-4350dcc8e734"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

When Jess Phillips resigned as safeguarding minister last month, she criticised Starmer for not acting more quickly to implement this plan. She said she was pushing for this more than a year ago.","elementId":"5c6c637e-ac2b-4c7e-b4b4-73a46d1b90e9"}],"attributes":{"pinned":true,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1780907255000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"10.27 CEST","blockLastUpdated":1780907686000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"10.34 CEST","blockFirstPublished":1780907590000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"10.33 CEST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"10.33","title":"Starmer says government will legislate if tech companies don't stop children using phones to take naked images","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Mon 8 Jun 2026 11.01 CEST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Mon 8 Jun 2026 09.27 CEST"},{"id":"6a267b9a8f08119910f4af2e","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Keir Stamer is giving his speech, making the start of London Tech Week.","elementId":"186e25d6-94c7-4c66-bfc9-912dfc39aa00"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

He began by saying the UK is uniquely placed to lead the world in the technological revolution. And it was a revolution “with the potential to transform lives, to strengthen communities, and create opportunities right across the country and a revolution that Britain is uniquely placed to lead”.","elementId":"a8d5a8d9-2730-45a8-b093-a5c1d79571fb"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Starmer said:","elementId":"c94cc305-9b91-4b5b-b6a1-4eb262499f37"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

The Times this morning is reporting that Keir Starmer will soon announce a ban on “harmful” social media platforms for under-16s. (See 8.27am.) In their story, Max Kendix, Stefan Boscia and Oliver Wright say:","elementId":"e8bc40b8-211e-416f-8bca-9fae6698520c"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

Those familiar with the proposals said the prime minister was looking at a “hybrid” system that would include elements of the Australian ban and the outlawing of specific features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications and autoplay.\n

One source claimed the proposals could have more “granular” age restrictions by limiting certain features and sites to different age groups rather than a blanket under-16s ban like in Australia.\n","elementId":"e29abf5a-b514-4972-bd27-c582e7dbd1be"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England, has urged the government to go further. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, she said she would like to see restrictions cover 16 and 17-year-olds too, and apply to gaming platforms as well as social media sites.","elementId":"e90488a4-3660-453c-8c4b-5ac4cadd025f"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

She said:","elementId":"0ff0df2e-4da7-4156-a78f-dc92aeffead8"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"\n

If we are genuinely seeking to safeguard children from harm, we cannot allow 16- and 17-year-olds to have lesser protection …\n

I am calling for all online services – not just social media platforms, but gaming sites and any platforms that make use of harmful features and functionalities – to be banned from accessing children, until they can prove that they are designed in a way that will protect children’s safety and wellbeing.\n","elementId":"41fd68ac-e4ff-460c-8f6f-926bb3913217"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

De Souza recently co-chaired a review for the government with Russell Viner, an adolescent health professor, that produced guidance for parents on screen use by under-5s. She and Viner are now producing for the government guidance on at what age children should get a smartphone.","elementId":"38bad14a-d084-4e5e-98f1-d48f21d40abe"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

In an interview on the Today programme this morning, she said that while children say they don’t like the principle of being banned from accessing social media, they also say that their social media use is bad for them, for example affecting their sleep, and they want help reducing it.","elementId":"edfb6621-3f1a-4846-a497-0d11c646ca69"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

She said for the first time in six years she was “optimistic” about the government being ready to take action.","elementId":"a1b790e1-ab9c-4a21-8674-b88c47f95b41"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.p