Starmer Warns Tech Firms Over Child Safety As Government Threatens New Laws

Starmer Warns Tech Firms Over Child Safety as Government Threatens New Laws UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned major technology companies that they must do more to prevent children from sending or receiving sexually explicit images online, or risk facing new legislation aimed at tightening digital safety rules.

The prime minister’s remarks come amid growing concern in the UK over online child exploitation and the role of social media and messaging platforms in enabling the circulation of harmful content involving minors. Starmer said tech firms have a responsibility to ensure their platforms are not being used to facilitate the sharing of explicit images involving children. He indicated that if companies fail to act, the government is prepared to introduce stricter laws to enforce compliance. The warning places renewed pressure on global technology companies operating in the UK, many of which already face regulatory scrutiny under existing online safety frameworks.Officials say the government’s focus is part of a broader push to strengthen child protection measures in the digital space, including improved monitoring systems, faster content removal processes and stronger accountability for platform operators. Child protection campaigners have long argued that voluntary measures by tech firms are not enough to prevent the spread of abusive material online, calling instead for tougher legal obligations and enforcement mechanisms. The UK’s existing regulatory approach already places duties on platforms to reduce harm under online safety rules, but ministers have suggested that additional powers may be needed if compliance gaps persist. Starmer’s comments are expected to increase pressure on companies to implement stronger safeguards, particularly around messaging features and image sharing functions commonly used by younger users. The government has not yet published details of any proposed new legislation, but officials say further announcements could follow if progress is not made by the technology sector.