MPs urge Apple and Google to block nude images on children's smartphones

[Indexer Tundra]

A cross party group of more than 100 MPs, led by Labour MP Alistair Strathern and working with the NSPCC, has written to Apple and Google urging them to bring in technology that blocks nude images on children's phones. In June, the two companies were given a three month ultimatum by the government to detect and block such images on children's devices or face legislation. With that deadline now passing, MPs are increasing the pressure. The pressure on both companies is clearly growing

The concern is that nude images are being used to exploit, groom and blackmail children. The NSPCC estimates that around 100 extra online child sexual abuse crimes are committed every day while action is delayed. The letter says it is unacceptable that children continue to suffer when adults have the power and the capacity to protect them

Apple and Google both say they remain committed to fighting exploitation and abuse online. Both already offer some tools, such as on-device features that can blur sensitive images for younger users. The government has said it will bring in legislation to make Britain the first country where children cannot take, share or view nude images on their devices. The details of that law have not yet been published

The technical and privacy questions are significant. Most of this would need to happen on the device itself, scanning images before they are sent or shown, which raises concerns about how far scanning could go and who controls it. Supporters argue that on-device checks aimed only at children's accounts can protect young people without touching adults' privacy, while critics worry about false positives and mission creep

Protecting children is something everyone can agree on, but the details matter a lot. Please keep this discussion respectful and focused on the technology and policy. Do you think on-device blocking for children's phones is the right approach? And how should it be balanced with privacy?

Tech Firms Urged To Block Nude Images On Childrens Smartphones 13593348news.sky.com

[Anthony_51]

False positives are a real issue. Medical photos or innocent family pictures could be flagged

The system needs to fail gently, with blurring and warnings rather than reporting children to anyone. Getting that balance right will decide whether people trust it. Kids also need easy ways to report problems