# Former Minister Urges Device-Level Tech to Block Child Sexual Abuse Jess Phillips demands mandatory AI-based scanning on all UK devices to stop live-streamed abuse. - **Source:** [BBC News – Politics](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a7e12dcb-f67e-4d46-ab10-ee6f25b6b058 ## Call for Device-Level Blocking Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips is campaigning for mandatory AI-based technology on all smartphones and laptops sold in the UK. This initiative aims to block live-streamed child sexual abuse at the source. The proposal seeks to extend existing government mandates that currently focus on preventing children from sharing self-generated nude images. ## Scale of the Crisis The UK National Crime Agency identifies the nation as the third-largest market globally for live-streamed child sexual abuse. Research from Childlight indicates that 1.8 million men in the UK have admitted to online sexual offending against children. These figures highlight the urgent need for systemic intervention beyond current law enforcement capabilities. ## Mechanism of AI Detection The proposed software utilizes AI classifiers trained on databases of known abuse imagery to identify and block harmful content within a device's operating system. This process occurs locally, meaning no data is logged, stored, or transmitted to external servers. It is designed to function alongside encryption, ensuring privacy while identifying illegal material. ## Legislative and Ethical Debate While proponents argue that device-level blocking is essential for child safety, civil liberties groups like Big Brother Watch express significant concerns. They warn that such technology could be repurposed for mass surveillance or lead to the blocking of innocent images. Critics emphasize that effective protection requires robust policing rather than universal scanning. ## Limitations of Current Enforcement The National Crime Agency reports that police are currently overwhelmed by the volume of abuse cases. Furthermore, eight out of ten offenders convicted of possessing child abuse imagery avoid prison sentences. These statistics suggest that the criminal justice system is struggling to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of digital abuse material. ## Shift to the Open Web Ofcom research reveals that offenders are increasingly using everyday apps on the open web to find abuse material, rather than relying solely on the dark web. This shift makes traditional monitoring methods less effective. Consequently, advocates argue that blocking must occur on the device itself before the harm is actually committed. ## Global Context of Exploitation International organizations like the International Justice Mission highlight that children in developing nations are frequently targeted for sexual exploitation. Research indicates that one in every 100 Filipino children has been a victim. Advocates argue that implementing strict device-level controls in the UK could help curb the global demand for such content. ## Government Stance and Outlook The government has not directly responded to the new call for mandatory blockers but maintains it is implementing the world's strongest online safety laws. Officials emphasize ongoing efforts to force tech companies to prevent the sharing of nude images. The debate continues regarding whether these measures sufficiently address the broader crisis. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck9q8g0x14geo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._