- Vodafone’s Fuse phone, powered by HarmBlock+, prevents nudity in photos, videos, and live streams.
- Alongside the phone, Vodafone introduces tools to guide parents in online safety decisions.
What happened: Fuse phone protects children from explicit content
Vodafone and HMD have introduced the Fuse phone, which features HarmBlock+, an AI system that prevents children from viewing, sending, or recording explicit content. This system blocks nudity in photos, videos, and live streams. Importantly, HarmBlock+ is built into the phone and cannot be bypassed, providing a reliable safeguard for children.
The Fuse phone originated from The Better Phone Project, which consulted over 37,000 parents and children globally. Available exclusively through Vodafone, it bridges the gap between basic feature phones and smartphones. Its primary goal is to prevent children from accessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), aligning with the UK’s Online Safety Act, which aims to tackle online harm.
Vodafone’s research reveals concerning trends: 20% of children aged 11-17 have felt pressured to share explicit images. Additionally, 17% were targeted by individuals pretending to be trusted figures, such as classmates or friends. To address these concerns, the Fuse phone, along with Vodafone’s new ‘Connect and Protect’ toolset, provides parents with the necessary resources to make informed decisions about online safety. Co-developed with the NSPCC, the toolset offers guidance to families during this important digital transition.
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Why it’s important
The Fuse phone addresses the growing concerns over children’s online safety. By integrating AI technology, Vodafone and HMD offer a proactive solution that blocks harmful content. This initiative supports the UK’s ongoing efforts to prevent CSAM and helps parents protect their children from digital threats.
As smartphones become more common among children, initiatives like the Fuse phone are essential for ensuring a safer digital environment. With the rise of online risks, solutions like these offer reassurance to parents while empowering children to use technology safely.
