The UK has warned Apple and Google to enable child safety tools blocking nude images or face legislation enforcing compliance
The United Kingdom government has issued a formal warning to major technology companies, including Apple and Google, demanding the activation of built-in safeguards on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images accessible to children.
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The directive, announced by the Home Office on Monday via its official website and X account, gives the tech firms three months to implement the measures or face legislation compelling compliance.
Authorities said the move is aimed at strengthening online protections for minors by limiting their exposure to explicit content and preventing the sharing or creation of nude images on personal devices.
“Tech companies like Apple and Google have three months,” the Home Office stated. “Activate safeguards on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children or we will bring forward legislation to force you to do so.”
Officials explained that many of the safety features already exist on devices but are not consistently enabled for child users across all platforms.
The government insisted the proposal is not intended as surveillance, rejecting concerns raised by digital rights advocates over privacy implications.
It argued that stronger safeguards are necessary to protect children from exploitation and the growing risks associated with online exposure to harmful content.
The announcement forms part of broader efforts to introduce national guidance on healthy screen use for children aged between five and 16, with parents expected to receive updated advice on managing digital habits.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said families are facing unprecedented challenges in guiding children’s technology use in the digital age.
“Parents are trying to navigate challenges previous generations never faced,” she said.
The guidance, expected later in the year, will be developed with input from an independent expert group focused on child safety and digital wellbeing.
Officials are also reviewing the role of technology in schools, including measures to ensure that classroom digital tools are safe and effective for learning.
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The government added that the policy is designed to promote healthier relationships with technology while supporting children’s development and wellbeing.
