UK plans law to force Apple, Google content blocks on children’s phones

The UK government has announced plans to enforce legislation requiring Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and Alphabet Inc. ‘s Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL ) (NASDAQ: GOOG ) to block explicit images on children’s smartphones. The decision comes after unsuccessful talks with the tech giants.

According to Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the government will commence work on an act of Parliament aimed at preventing under-18s from taking, sharing, or viewing explicit content on their devices, The Guardian reported. Despite the three-month deadline for talks with Apple and Google having passed, Nandy stated that the tech companies could still reach an agreement. However, she emphasized that it was “almost certain” that unprecedented legislation would be needed.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham added that these protections would be “built into the device and switched on by default,” and tech companies will be required to verify an adult user’s age before they are allowed to view or send explicit content. The government also intends to extend these restrictions to children’s apps, which would require additional legislation. Google and Apple did not immediately respond to ’s request for comments.

Read Also: Jim Cramer Slams Wall Street's Reaction to META's $17 Billion Settlement as 'Ridiculous': 'Somehow the Narrative Has Turned…' UK’s Push to Protect Children Online This move follows a series of actions taken by the UK government to protect minors from harmful digital content. In June, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban “harmful” social media platforms for children under 16. This decision was influenced by similar measures taken in Australia. At the time, Starmer also gave Apple and Google until September to introduce technology blocking children from viewing, sharing or taking sexually explicit images.

Failure could trigger legislation with fines and criminal liability. The plan aims to curb child sexual abuse. Apple and Google had already introduced some safety measures, reported the Guardian. Civil liberties groups had shown concerns that tech companies will unveil changes that threaten anonymity and privacy.

Notably, in August, Meta Platforms Inc. S. alleging that the company made its platforms addictive to children, misled users about safety risks and mishandled children’s data. Meta denied wrongdoing.

The proposed settlement would impose teen usage limits, nighttime restrictions, stronger age verification and expanded parental controls. ” Musk suggested that the real goal of the policy was to track everyone until they verify their identity. " Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published editors. Read Also: Apple Might Be Planning to 'Surprise and Shine' at iPhone 18 Launch Event, but Crypto Bettors Are Already Betting on Foldables and More Image via Shutterstock