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UK Gives Tech Firms Three Months to Add Controls Blocking Nude Images of Children

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Summary

The UK has given Apple, Google and other tech firms three months to add device-level controls that detect and block nude images of children. The government says legislation, fines and criminal liability could follow noncompliance.

Key points

  • The UK says tech firms must activate built-in features or implement technical solutions to detect and block nude images of children on smartphones and tablets within three months.
  • The requirement applies to both existing and new devices.
  • The government says it will introduce legislation if firms do not comply; fines and potential criminal liability for executives are under consideration.
  • The Home Office says the controls would block harmful content across apps and services, with deactivation available through age assurance.
  • The Home Office says the proposed controls will not involve data collection, monitoring or reporting.
  • The Home Office says Apple’s existing age checks do not extend nudity detection to third-party messaging services, cameras, apps or search.

Article Details

Event Type
UK government directive requiring Apple, Google, and other technology companies to implement device-level controls to detect and block nude images of children on new and existing smartphones and tablets within three months.
Impact
The measure is intended to reduce the circulation of child sexual abuse imagery and prevent predators from exploiting devices. The government says it may introduce legislation, fines, and potential criminal liability for executives if companies do not comply; the article does not report that the new controls have been implemented.

People

Keir StarmerPrime Minister who announced the measure in a speech at London Tech Week.Shabana MahmoodHome Secretary who said the government wants device-wide nudity blocking that can be deactivated only through age assurance.

Vendors

AppleThe United Kingdom has given Apple, Google, and other tech companies three months to add device-level safeguards that detect and block nude images of children on smartphones and tablets.GoogleThe United Kingdom has given Apple, Google, and other tech companies three months to add device-level safeguards that detect and block nude images of children on smartphones and tablets.xAI#Apple

Products

iPhoneApple has already taken action by introducing default age checks for iPhone users, but nudity detection is not applied to third-party messaging services, cameras, apps or search, the press release said.

Countries

United KingdomThe United Kingdom has given Apple, Google, and other tech companies three months to add device-level safeguards that detect and block nude images of children on smartphones and tablets.

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