08/06/2026
Today saw an announcement from the Prime Minister, setting out plans for the UK to lead globally in preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The proposals place a clear expectation on technology companies to introduce crucial safety measures to better protect children online, with the Government prepared to legislate where industry fails to act. Measures under consideration would seek to prevent children from creating, sharing and accessing n**e imagery.
At SWGfL, we stand with the UK Government in its ambition to strengthen protections for children and young people online. As these proposals develop, it will be vital that they are effective, proportionate and centred on the needs of victims and survivors.
David Wright CBE, CEO of SWGfL and Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said:
"This is an important and ambitious step in recognising the scale of harm children face online, particularly as sexual abuse and exploitation are increasingly linked to self-generated imagery.
We have seen positive progress from parts of the technology sector in recent years, but more must be done to ensure a consistent and high standard of protection for all children across devices and services. Raising the baseline of safety across the digital ecosystem is essential.
As these proposals develop, it will be important to ensure they are effective in practice, proportionate, and implemented in ways that maintain trust, particularly in relation to privacy and the needs of victims. At SWGfL, we look forward to continuing to work with government and industry to ensure protections are victim-focused and genuinely reduce harm."
Home Office
