The United Kingdom government has given major technology companies, including Apple and Google, three months to activate built-in safety features on smartphones and tablets that can detect and block nude images involving children.

The warning was issued by the UK Home Office, which said companies could face new legislation if they fail to comply.

According to the government, the proposed protections are aimed at preventing children from viewing, sharing, or creating explicit images on their devices.

“Tech companies like Apple and Google have three months,” the Home Office stated.

“Activate safeguards on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children, or we will bring forward legislation to force you to do so.”

The UK government said many of the safety tools already exist on devices, but are not automatically enabled for young users.

Officials argued that the move is necessary to tackle online exploitation and protect children from harmful digital content.

Responding to concerns about privacy, the Home Office insisted the policy is not designed for surveillance.

“Some claim this to be an invasion of privacy, but it isn’t,” the department said.

The announcement forms part of wider UK plans to introduce national guidance on healthy screen use for children aged between five and 16.

Parents are expected to receive advice on social media use, sleep habits, and the appropriate age for children to own smartphones.

UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said modern parents are dealing with challenges previous generations never faced.

“Parents are trying to navigate challenges previous generations never faced, and they deserve clear, practical support they can trust,” she said.

The government also revealed it is reviewing the role of technology in schools and considering additional measures to ensure digital tools used in classrooms are safe and effective.

Officials say the policy is part of broader efforts to improve children’s online safety under the UK’s existing Online Safety Act.