HMD's new phone uses AI to refuse nudes

What has happened?Smartphone maker HMD (Human Mobile Devices) has launched a new smartphone designed to protect kids from harmful online content, with an AI feature that blocks nudes.

• The HMD Fuse comes with a feature called HarmBlock+
• It uses AI to prevent children from filming or sending nude content, and from seeing or saving nude and sexual images.
• The company says the feature works within the camera, and across all apps.
• It's even able to block nude and sexual images in a live stream.
• Built-in parental controls allow parents to manage usage, and unlock certain features as their child gets older.
• This isn't the company's first foray into kid-friendly phones, as itlaunched the Fusion X1 earlier this year.

This is important because: A recent Vodafone survey found that one in five high school aged children (11-17) have felt pressured into sharing an explicit image of themselves.

• Meanwhile, 46% of parents admit to having concerns about their child receiving explicit images.
• The HarmBlock AI which powers the HarmBlock+ feature has been developed by online safety firm SafeToNet.
• The AI model has been ethically pre-trained on 22 million harmful nude images.
• HMD also claims it's the first protection tool that children can't bypass.

Why should I care?If you are a parent concerned about the content your children can access on their mobile phone, the HMD Fuse offers a level of safety and security that few other handsets can match - it's unlikely the upcomingGoogle Pixel 10oriPhone 17will offer the features here.

• There are a number of other safety features built into the Fuse, including the ability to limit app access and screen time.
• There's also the option to enable location tracking every 24 seconds, with the ability to set safe zones. Parents can receive alerts when entering or exiting those zones.
• It also offers default blocking of internet and social media apps.
• HMD says the Fuse can 'grow' with the child, as parents have the ability to lock the phone down to just calls, texts and location at first, and then unlock more features and apps as their kid gets older.

Okay, what's next?The HMD Fuse is currently available only in the UK, via the carrier Vodafone, where it costs £33 per month (plus a £30 upfront cost).

• HMD has confirmed that the Fuse will arrive in other countries in the coming months, starting with Australia.
• There's currently no word on whether it will be available in the US.
• We contacted HMD about US availability, but a spokesperson was only able to confirm the current expansion plan to Australia and New Zealand.

The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox