UK Pushes Apple and Google to Add Nudity Filters to Phones
▼ Summary
– The UK government plans to encourage Apple and Google to implement default nudity-blocking systems on phones to protect children.
– These systems would use algorithms to prevent the display or sharing of nude images unless a user verifies they are an adult, such as through biometric checks or ID.
– The initiative, part of a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, will not be a legal requirement for device makers initially.
– Officials have considered but decided against making these controls mandatory for devices sold in the UK for the time being.
– The focus is initially on mobile devices, but the push could expand to desktops, similar to existing content-scanning features in software like Microsoft Teams.
The UK government is reportedly preparing to urge major technology firms to implement default nudity filters on smartphones, aiming to shield children from explicit content. According to a recent report, officials plan to encourage Apple and Google to integrate detection systems into their mobile operating systems. These systems would block the display and sharing of nude images unless a user successfully completes an adult age verification process. While not a legal mandate initially, this move signals a potential step toward future compulsory requirements if voluntary cooperation is not achieved.
The proposed approach focuses on mobile devices first, with the possibility of later expanding to desktop computers. The core idea is that operating systems like iOS and Android would utilize algorithms to prevent any nudity from appearing on screen. To bypass this block, an adult user would need to verify their age through methods such as biometric scanning or providing official identification. A key stipulation is that individuals convicted of child sexual offenses would be legally required to keep these blocking features permanently enabled.
This initiative forms part of a broader governmental strategy to address violence against women and girls. Officials argue that the technology for such content scanning already exists, citing Microsoft’s ability to detect inappropriate material within its Teams platform. The forthcoming announcement from the Home Office will frame these nudity-blocking controls as a protective measure for young people, shifting the default setting on devices to a more restrictive state. Adults who wish to view or share such content would need to proactively prove they are over the age of 18.
The decision to pursue encouragement rather than immediate legislation reflects a calculated approach. People familiar with the discussions indicate that mandating these controls for all devices sold in the UK was seriously considered but has been set aside for the time being. This creates a scenario where the government is applying significant pressure on tech giants to adopt these filters voluntarily, with the implicit threat of regulatory action looming should they refuse. The success of this push hinges on the willingness of Apple and Google to alter their core operating systems in a specific market, setting a notable precedent for digital content governance.
(Source: Ars Technica)
