UK Plans to Make Apple and Google Block Child Images
The UK government plans to force Apple and Google to act. The law would stop under-18s from sharing nude images on phones.
Companies would need to build blocks directly into devices. The rules could also apply to apps used by children.
This came after talks with the companies ended without agreement. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the talks missed a deadline.
Apple and Google said they remained engaged in talks. The government said it will pass the law soon.
But it may change plans if firms act first. The goal is to reduce grooming and child abuse images.
Adults may need to prove their age to turn off blocks. Privacy concerns about scanning phones remain a major issue. This follows an earlier ban on social media for under-16s.
Klear Note — Device protections are controls built directly into phones, rather than separate apps. The proposal follows a UK commitment to ban social media for under-16s.
Key Terms 4
- Culture Secretary A UK government minister in charge of media and technology policy.
- Lisa Nandy The UK official currently serving as Culture Secretary.
- grooming When an adult builds trust with a child to abuse them.
- device-level protections Safety features built directly into phones instead of apps.