Tech firms urged to block nude images on children's smartphones

Tech firms should act urgently to introduce nudity-blocking technology on children's smartphones to prevent exposure to "horrific" abuse, MPs have said.

A letter to bosses at Apple and Google, signed by more than 100 MPs, warned that nude images are being used to "exploit, groom, and blackmail children".

Online child sexual abuse crimes are being committed "out of sight from moderators or regulation", the letter said, adding it is "unacceptable that children continue to suffer whilst, as adults, we have the power and the capacity to protect them".

Earlier this month, ministers said major tech platforms would be forced by law to make it impossible for children to take, share or view nude pictures.

Previously in June they gave Apple and Google three months to either detect and block such images for children - or face being forced to by law.

The letter, organised by Labour MP Alistair Strathern and the NSPCC, comes as the children's charity estimates 11,400 online child sexual abuse offences - on average 100 every day - will have been recorded by police since June.

NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "Right now, offenders continue to target children - manipulating and coercing them into sharing nude images and leaving them to deal with the fallout.

"Without action, children and their families will continue to suffer the devastating impact of this horrific crime.

"Apple and Google, it's time to step up. Children cannot afford further delays."

A Google spokesperson said it will continue "to work with experts, legislators, app developers and device manufacturers to keep children safe, while also protecting privacy and access to information".

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An Apple spokesperson said the company shares the UK's "commitment to combating exploitation and abuse online... to help keep kids safe".

Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, which promotes childrens' online safety, said: "If Big Tech genuinely cared about the safety and wellbeing of the millions of young people on their platforms, they would introduce nudity blocking technology without further delay.

"The shameful reality is that they have to be forced, kicking and screaming, by government legislation.

"Every day they fail to act, more children come into contact with preventable harm."

(c) Sky News 2026: Tech firms urged to block nude images on children's smartphones