Apple and Google Face UK Mandate to Block Explicit Content on Children’s Phones as Talks Stall

The UK government has announced plans to enforce legislation requiring Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)/a> and Alphabet Inc.'s Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL)/a> (NASDAQ:GOOG)/a> 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 Benzinga's request for comments./p> div class="bz-read-next-block" data-variant="card" data-news-mode="manual" >

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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. (NASDAQ:META)/a> agreed to pay up to $17 billion to settle claims by 29 states in the U.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, YouTube Criticize UK's Social Media Proposals

The UK's proposed restrictions, however, have been met with criticism, with billionaire Elon Musk calling it a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Musk suggested that the real goal of the policy was to track everyone until they verify their identity.

At the same time, YouTube spokesperson Jay Stoll had told WIRED that "blanket bans" could push children toward "anonymous, less-safe services."

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors./p> div class="bz-read-next-block" data-variant="card" data-news-mode="manual" >

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