UK threatens Apple and Google with law to block child nudity online
Digital Minister Lisa Nandy warned Apple and Google they must stop children from creating or sharing nude images within three months or face new legislation.
Lisa Nandy, the UK Digital Minister, announced that Apple and Google must implement technology to block nude images on devices used by children, or the government will pass a law mandating such protections. She criticized the firms for not addressing the scale of online sexual harm faced by minors and noted recent progress, including Apple’s operating-system age assurance and improved blocking on under-age devices. The proposed legislation would make it illegal for children to capture, share, or view nude content on smartphones.
Nandy indicated the law could be withdrawn if the companies deliver robust solutions promptly, but she expects legislation to proceed. The Internet Watch Foundation reported that 91% of child sexual abuse reports in 2024 involved content generated by children themselves. Apple responded by highlighting its Communication Safety feature launched in 2021 and its plans to enhance it further.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report the UK’s plan to legislate against child nudity on smartphones, but left-leaning coverage stresses the missed deadline and the government’s push for world-first legislation, centrist coverage presents a neutral factual account of the upcoming law and the companies’ “significant commitments,” while right-leaning coverage highlights the partial safeguards already added and raises privacy-intrusion concerns.
LEFT
Frames the story as the government moving forward after tech firms missed a deadline, emphasizing the failure of Apple and Google and the rollout of unprecedented legislation.
CENTER
Provides a straightforward report of the proposed law, noting the companies’ commitments yet stating they do not meet the scale of the crisis.
RIGHT
Portrays the legislation as a practical step, noting limited safeguards already in place but warning that the measures could involve intrusive digital ID checks.
The left emphasises
- deadline missed by Apple and Google
- government will change the law to create world-first legislation
- tech firms “do not meet the scale of this crisis”
The right emphasises
- companies added some safeguards but still allow nude selfies
- privacy advocates warn of intrusive digital ID checks
- legislation described as a practical step despite vague details
