Nude image filter: UK now gives Apple and Google an ultimatum

Great Britain is increasing the pressure on the big technology companies: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given Apple and Google a deadline of September to prevent children from seeing nude images or even pornography on smartphones and tablets.

Time until September

According to the British government’s plans, the devices will in future be equipped with functions that prevent minors from taking, sending or receiving explicit images. Algorithms for detecting nudity or comparable systems could be used for this purpose. Adult users should still be able to use such content, but will have to prove their age to do so, reports Guardian, Starmer announced the measures during London Tech Week. The Prime Minister said Britain could become the first country to effectively block children’s access to nude images on their own devices. From his point of view, the technical implementation is possible. If the companies do not act voluntarily, the government will legislate the relevant regulations.

The background to the initiative is the sharp increase in the number of cases of sexual abuse of children on the Internet. According to the British National Crime Agency, around 1,700 tips about such crimes are received there every week. A large proportion of the reported abuse images were created by minors themselves.

Many children had previously been manipulated, deceived or blackmailed by perpetrators on the Internet. Pressure on the government is also growing within the ruling Labor Party. Several MPs called on Starmer to stop relying on voluntary commitments from tech companies and instead create binding legal requirements. Critics argued that the platform operators would only respond to clear legal consequences.

A tough process

Individual protective mechanisms already exist today. Apple is introducing age verification for certain services on iPhones and iPads in the UK. Google has also developed features that detect and blur nude images and warn children before opening or forwarding such content. However, both companies do not yet have a system-wide blocking system.

Data protection organizations, meanwhile, expressed concerns. They warn that stricter controls could undermine online anonymity and the protection of private communications. Google said it is working with British partners on solutions that both protect children and protect user privacy.