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The United Kingdom government has issued a stern warning to major technology companies, including Apple and Google, demanding that they activate built-in safeguards on smartphones and tablets to prevent children from viewing, sharing or creating nude images within the next three months or face new legislation.
The directive, announced by the Home Office on Monday through its official website and X account, marks what the government describes as the world’s first attempt to introduce nationwide protections aimed at making it significantly harder for minors to access or distribute explicit images on personal devices.
According to the Home Office, many smartphones and tablets already contain safety features capable of detecting and blocking nude content, but these protections are not consistently enabled for younger users.
“Tech companies like Apple and Google have three months,” the department 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.”
The government said the move is part of broader efforts to protect children from online exploitation, harmful digital content and the increasing circulation of explicit material among minors.
Responding to concerns over privacy, officials insisted that the proposed measures do not amount to surveillance.
“Some claim this to be an invasion of privacy — but it isn’t,” the Home Office said.
The announcement coincides with plans to introduce the UK’s first national guidance on healthy screen use for children aged between five and 16. The guidance will provide parents with practical advice on issues such as social media use, sleep routines and the appropriate age for children to own smartphones.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said parents need support in navigating the challenges posed by growing up in a digital world.
“Parents are trying to navigate challenges previous generations never faced, and they deserve clear, practical support they can trust,” she said.
The guidance, expected to be published later this year, will be developed with input from an independent expert panel co-chaired by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner.
Ministers are also reviewing the role of technology in schools and considering additional measures to ensure digital tools used in classrooms are safe, effective and backed by evidence.
While emphasising online safety, the government acknowledged the benefits of technology when used responsibly, citing improved learning outcomes, enhanced creativity and personalised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said the initiative is designed to help families build healthier digital habits.
“We want every child to grow up happy and healthy and that means supporting families to make screen time work for them,” she said.
The latest proposal builds on existing measures such as phone-free classroom policies, the Online Safety Act and previous guidance aimed at parents of children under five.
Government polling showed strong public backing for such interventions, with 86 per cent of respondents supporting existing guidance for younger children and 82 per cent saying it has helped families develop healthier relationships with technology.
Officials said findings from the ongoing consultation will inform future policies on children’s screen use, online safety and the use of technology in education.
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