UMVA has learned that a groundbreaking change could be coming to UK phones within the next three months, one that promises to revolutionize the way technology companies protect children from online abuse.
A new system, described by a government official, will enable phones to detect and block nudity on devices, ensuring that children are safeguarded from potentially harmful content. This technology will go beyond existing features, such as Apple's 'Communication Safety', which blurs out potentially harmful images and asks users if they are sure they want to see them.
The proposed system takes a more drastic approach, blacking out images or videos as soon as nudity is recognized, with no option to override it. This will apply not only to saved content but also to livestreams, which are often used in online communities of child sex abusers.
The government wants tech companies to ensure this technology applies across a child's phone, not just on specific apps. This raises questions about how to ensure the system only affects children, while adults retain their freedom to use their devices as they wish.
According to information obtained by UMVA, one possible solution involves tech companies updating their devices' operating systems, making a child-friendly mode that blocks nudity the default setting. Adults will need to go through an age assurance process to turn this mode off and regain control of their device.
This process may need to be repeated regularly, with users required to verify their age every year or with each operating system update. This would ensure that the system remains effective, even when devices are passed down from older to younger users.
With the government's deadline now in place, all adult British phone users may find themselves having to verify their age within the next three months. The changes will come through a system update, applying to all existing devices as well as new ones.
The government official emphasized that the system is designed to protect child users against abuse online and will not be used to collect data or restrict users' online activities. The goal is to create a safer online environment for children, while preserving adults' freedom to use their devices as they choose.
