New digital safety reforms announced at London Tech Week
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major new set of technology reforms aimed at protecting children online. Speaking at London Tech Week, he urged tech companies operating in the UK to introduce stricter device-level controls to prevent minors from sending, receiving, or viewing explicit images.
Companies given deadline to act
Under the new proposal, technology firms will have three months to implement changes. If companies fail to comply, the UK government says it will introduce legislation to enforce the measures by law.
Officials stated that the UK aims to become the first country in the world to fully prevent children from taking, sharing, or accessing nude images on their devices.
Potential penalties for non-compliance
The Prime Minister warned that companies could face regulatory consequences if they do not introduce adequate safeguards within the deadline. The government argues that stronger digital protection tools are necessary to address rising concerns over child safety online.
Mixed reactions from rights groups and experts
The announcement has sparked a wide debate:
- The digital rights organisation Big Brother Watch described the proposal as “extreme technological censorship.”
- The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) strongly supported the initiative, calling it a necessary step to protect minors.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that while the intention is positive, “banning certain features alone is not enough.”
Wider UK technology reforms
The crackdown on explicit content is part of a broader digital policy agenda. The government also announced:
- A new AI-powered job-seeking assistant
- A consultation on official screen time guidelines for children
- Upcoming restrictions on children’s access to social media platforms
Growing focus on online child safety
The UK government’s latest measures reflect increasing global pressure on technology companies to improve online child protection. Further announcements on social media regulation are expected in the coming days.