Online safety campaigners reveal Starmer frustrations after Phillips exit
Summary
Campaigners for internet safety and children's rights have expressed frustration at Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government for slow action on blocking child abuse images on children’s phones. Labour MP Jess Phillips resigned, citing delays and lack of bold measures to stop children from taking or sharing naked pictures and called for stronger legislation.Key Facts
- Jess Phillips quit the government, criticizing delays in tackling child abuse images on children’s phones.
- Phillips said she proposed solutions over a year ago to block children from taking naked images of themselves.
- The government promised to work with tech companies rather than immediately legislate to block such images.
- The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reported that 91% of child sexual abuse images in 2024 were self-generated by children.
- Police recorded 7,263 offenses related to sexual communication with children last year, nearly double since 2017-18.
- Campaigners say technology exists to block these images and it could reduce abuse at the source.
- Some government departments support the measures, but Downing Street has delayed action for months.
- Critics suspect close ties between government advisors and tech companies may have slowed progress.
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