Technology companies have been given an ultimatum to stop children sending and receiving explicit images on their devices or face a change to the law, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The Government has given firms such as Apple and Google three months to implement changes or face new legislation.
In a speech at London Tech Week, the Prime Minister said: “One issue is the ability for children with phones to send and receive nude images.
“For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing can be done, that Government is powerless, that parents just have to accept it.
“I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around.”
He added: “That is why today I am calling on tech companies operating in this country to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images.
“Because this is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it.
“But if they choose not to, then we will act and we will change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option.”
The Government wants firms to activate built-in features on their devices or come up with technological solutions on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images from children.
The changes will apply to both existing and newly sold smartphones and tablets in the UK.
Legislation could cover operating system such as Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android and other forms in the supply chain, such as retailers selling phones and tablets.
Officials said changes will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “As a society, we have not kept pace with the changing threats that children face. Abuse online is far too common, and we will not tolerate it.
“Tech companies have a moral duty to act, by making it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images. If they don’t, we will legislate.”
Officials said Apple was already taking action with age checks for iPhone users, making it the first company to activate safety features by default for under-18s.
