Sir Keir Starmer has told tech companies they must introduce device controls to prevent children sending or receiving explicit images, or the government will legislate to force the change.
The prime minister said that “the pace of change cannot be an excuse for harm”, as he rejected the idea parents must “accept” dangers of modern technology.
In a speech at London Tech Week, the prime minister said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
If companies to not act within three months, the government is planning to bring forward legislation to force them to activate the technology, and is understood to be considering fines or criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply.
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