The UK government is proposing new legislation that would require technology companies to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on their devices. This move comes in response to calls from child welfare organizations and law enforcement for stronger measures to combat online child sexual abuse.
Data from Ofcom indicates a rising trend of smartphone ownership among younger children in the UK, with the proportion increasing with age. Children's charity NSPCC has highlighted that content recorded on a child's device can be an initial step in grooming, sexual extortion, and other forms of online child sexual abuse. UK police chiefs have previously stated that restricting the capability of children's devices to capture or distribute nude images is crucial in preventing sextortion crimes.
Chris Sherwood, NSPCC chief executive, described the legislative plans as a "necessary move" after tech firms failed to meet a previously set three-month deadline. He urged the government to "act swiftly and ensure these measures are enshrined in law at the earliest opportunity," emphasizing that "children cannot face more delays."
Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation noted that while the new proposals are "fundamental to their objective," the path to securing them has been "a needlessly long and torturous road." He added that "Ministers will need to demonstrate they are committed to delivering robust legislation without further delay."
The government's proposals were initially part of its violence against women and girls strategy but faced criticism for a slow enactment. The proposed law would not prevent adults from accessing nude imagery on their devices. However, implementing technical solutions to block such content for children might necessitate verification of users as adults or children. Online rights campaigners at the Open Rights Group have previously expressed concerns that such changes could lead to "every adult would be forced through a digital ID checkpoint, and private images could be scanned by default," though the government has denied that the move would constitute surveillance. The government stated it will legislate "as soon as they can" and may "reassess" its plans if tech firms implement the desired changes proactively.