UK PM Starmer urges Big Tech to block the sharing of sexually explicit images among children

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has once again raised concerns about the spread of sexually explicit content online, calling on Big Tech companies to do more to protect children. The move marks the latest step in Starmer's broader push to shield young people from the harmful effects of technology and online platforms.

Reports also suggest that the government is considering restrictions on certain social media platforms for users under the age of 16.

"Today I'm calling on tech companies operating in this country to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images," Starmer said during a speech at London Tech Week. "This is not an impossible challenge."

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Under the proposed measures, technology giants such as Apple and Google would be required to build or activate technical solutions on smartphones and tablets capable of detecting and blocking nude images for children. Adults would still be able to create, share, and view such content after completing an age-verification process.

The UK government has warned that if companies fail to act within three months, it could introduce legislation requiring them to comply or face financial penalties.

A social media ban could also be on the horizon

British authorities argue that blocking nudity is a key priority, saying it could disrupt grooming and sextortion networks that use explicit images to exploit or blackmail minors. Officials maintain that the technology needed to implement such safeguards already exists and could be deployed relatively quickly.

The government has said it is willing to work with the technology industry on the initiative. While officials have praised recent age-verification measures introduced by companies such as Apple, they want both Apple and Google to go further by blocking nude content by default across third-party applications and services used by children.

Similar concerns have prompted action elsewhere. Australia last year barred children under the age of 16 from platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. France, Denmark, and Poland are also considering stricter rules around children's use of social media. Meanwhile, Greece announced in April that it would restrict access for users under 16 to online platforms deemed harmful, while continuing to allow access to safer forms of social media.

Experts remain divided on how effective a blanket social media ban would be, while many young people have expressed opposition to tighter restrictions on their online activities.

(With Inputs From Reuters)