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UK government to ‘encourage’ Apple and Google to include nudity-blocking software in OSes

MacDailyNews

Dec 15

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The UK government is set to urge Apple and Google to embed advanced nudity-detection software directly into device operating systems. This proposed measure, detailed in a forthcoming Home Office strategy, would automatically block the capture, sharing, or viewing of images depicting genitalia by default, with adults required to undergo age verification—such as biometric scans or ID checks—to disable the restrictions. While stopping short of mandating these controls, the initiative highlights a shift toward proactive, device-level safeguards over broader social media bans for minors.

Chris Smyth and Anna Gross for Financial Times:
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Officials have explored making such controls a mandatory requirement for devices sold in the UK but have decided against such an approach for now, the people added.
While Apple and Google’s Android mobile operating system have developed sensitive content warnings for younger users, these can be overridden by entering a passcode.
The Home Office wants to see operating systems that prevent any nudity being displayed on screen unless the user has verified they are an adult through methods such as biometric checks or official ID.
While the policy has initially focused on mobile devices, officials say the same models could also be applied to desktops… However, the proposals are likely to face objections over privacy and civil liberties, as well as questions about how effective such measures could be.

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MacDailyNews Take: Apple already offers “Communication Safety” tools for parents. If your child receives or attempts to send photos or videos that might contain nudity, Communication Safety warns them, gives them options to stay safe, and provides helpful resources.

Communication Safety uses on-device machine learning to analyze photo and video attachments and determine if a photo or video appears to contain nudity. Because the photos and videos are analyzed on your child’s device, Apple doesn’t receive an indication that nudity was detected and doesn’t get access to the photos or videos.

Communication Safety detects nude photos and videos in these apps and services:
• On iPhone or iPad: Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters in the Phone app and the Contacts app, FaceTime calls and video messages, shared photo albums, and when your child selects a photo or video to share in some third-party apps.
• On Mac: Messages, Contact Posters in the Phone app and the Contacts app, shared photo albums, and when your child selects a photo or video to share in some third-party apps.
• On Apple Watch: Messages, Contact Posters in the Phone app and the Contacts app, and FaceTime video messages.
• On Apple Vision Pro: Messages, AirDrop, and when your child selects a photo or video to share in some third-party apps.

Learn more about Apple’s “Communication Safety” tools here.

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