New law to force tech firms to stop children taking or sharing nude images
The UK government plans to introduce legislation forcing tech companies to block children from accessing or sharing nude images on mobile devices. While Apple and Google have implemented some safety features, the Culture Secretary argues these measures are insufficient to address the scale of the issue.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift toward government-mandated device-level safety controls, challenging the current self-regulatory approach of major tech firms.
Image source, Getty Images By Philippa Wain and Chris Vallance , Technology reporters Published 41 minutes ago The government has said it will introduce a new law to force tech firms to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on mobile devices.
Apple and Google, which develop the operating systems of most smartphones used in the UK, were given three months in June to block access to nude images on smartphones and other devices used by under-18s.
But culture secretary Lisa Nandy MP told MPs on Tuesday that despite "significant commitments" from both companies, current proposals "do not meet the scale of this crisis".
She said ministers would look to legislate "as soon as they can" - with the caveat it may reassess these if firms develop and implement solutions sooner.
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