UK To Force Apple and Google to Block Explicit Images on Children’s Smartphones
The UK government intends to pass legislation requiring major tech companies to prevent minors from viewing nude images on their devices after existing negotiations failed.
The British government plans to enact new laws compelling Apple and Google to block explicit images on children's smartphones. This move follows unsuccessful talks with the two technology giants, whose operating systems dominate the smartphone market. Lisa Nandy, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, announced that ministers will begin drafting an act of parliament. The legislation aims to stop under-18s from taking, sharing, or viewing nude images on their devices. Andy Burnham, the prime minister, stated that these protections would be built into the hardware itself and switched on by default. Tech companies must verify an adult user's age before allowing anyone to capture, view, or send nude photos. The government also intends to apply similar restrictions to apps used by children. A three-month deadline for reaching a voluntary deal passed without agreement in Tuesday. Nandy noted that groundbreaking legislation would be required because technology companies have failed to protect children from severe harm over time.
