UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to major technology companies, including Apple and Google, demanding stronger protections for children online. Speaking at London Tech Week, Starmer gave firms three months to introduce measures that prevent children from sending, receiving, or viewing explicit images on smartphones and tablets.
The Prime Minister said technology companies must “take responsibility” for online harms and warned that the government would introduce legislation if voluntary action is not taken. Proposed measures could include mandatory safeguards, fines, and potential penalties for companies that fail to comply.
The move comes amid growing concerns over online grooming, sextortion, and the sharing of self-generated explicit images among children. Government officials say the plans are designed to strengthen child safety while allowing adults to access content after age verification.
The warning forms part of a broader government effort to improve online safety and could pave the way for further restrictions on social media use by under-16s.
