Jess Phillips calls for devices to block child sexual abuse images

Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has urged the UK government to require technology that blocks child sexual abuse images on devices sold in Britain, including material broadcast in live streams.

The Labour MP made the call at the launch of a policy report in Parliament, the BBC reported. She was joined by campaigners and Conservative former minister Lord Nash in seeking safeguards across devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Supporters say artificial intelligence could identify and block abuse imagery on a device as it is created, viewed or streamed. John Tanagho of the anti-trafficking organisation International Justice Mission argues that such tools could work without sending reports elsewhere or undermining encryption. He acknowledged that they would not block all child sexual abuse material.

Civil liberties group Big Brother Watch warned that innocent images could be blocked and that the technology could later be adapted for surveillance. It called instead for targeted policing and stronger enforcement.

A government spokesperson did not directly address the wider proposal, the BBC said, but pointed to plans to prevent under-18s from taking, sharing or viewing nude images. The government announced in September that it was preparing legislation for device-level protections for children. Phillips’ proposal would extend blocking of child sexual abuse material to devices used by adults as well.