UK House of Lords to propose mandatory CSAM detection software on smartphones

A cross-party group of UK lawmakers wants mandatory software on every smartphone and tablet sold in Britain to prevent users from viewing or creating child sexual abuse material. The proposed tools would instantly blur or block images and videos, including AI-generated abuse, and prevent livestreaming; older devices could be covered through software updates. Conservative peer John Nash is leading the effort in the Lords, with Labour MP Jess Phillips pushing in the Commons. The government has already pledged legislation requiring technology companies to stop children taking, sharing or viewing nude images. Nash argues that if such protections can be built for children’s devices, similar safeguards can be applied more broadly to block illegal material. If ministers do not act, he may seek an amendment to a forthcoming national security bill.

Supporters say detection technology already exists and that prevention is needed to counter a growing global abuse market. The Internet Watch Foundation removed more than 312,000 online abuse images last year, up 7% from 2024, and identified 3,440 AI-generated abuse videos, compared with 13 the year before. A forthcoming expert paper proposes using AI to detect and disrupt suspected exploitation before material is viewed or shared. Public opinion appears strongly supportive: a poll found 80% would back installing the software on their own devices, while 5% opposed it; nearly 90% of Labour and Conservative voters supported it. Only 6% were very confident that technology companies are doing enough to tackle the material.