The UK government says it will introduce legislation requiring Apple and Google to add stronger protections so children cannot take, view or share nude or explicit images on smartphones and tablets. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy tells the House of Commons that the rules are intended to cover device-level controls across operating systems and apps, rather than relying only on current safeguards.
The move follows a voluntary three-month period in which the companies were asked to improve protections. Outlets report that the government is still working out which devices would be covered, and that adults who pass age verification would remain exempt. Several sources add that ministers are prepared to pursue penalties including fines, and warn the approach could be expanded beyond Apple and Google to other services.
While most reports focus on the planned obligation for Apple and Google to block child nudity, they vary on detail and emphasis. Wired highlights missed deadlines and the possibility of criminal liability, and also notes signals that similar requirements could extend to platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Other coverage centers on the legislative timing after talks did not produce a breakthrough, and the general scope of device-level protections for children.
