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HMD Launches Fuse Kids’ Phone With On‑Device AI to Block Nude Images

It integrates SafeToNet’s HarmBlock+ at the operating-system level to filter explicit imagery on-device in real time.

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The phone launches as studies show rising pressure on teens to share explicit images and access porn online
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Overview

  • HMD Fuse is on sale in the UK with carrier-tied plans priced at about £33 per month plus a £30 upfront fee, with broader availability planned.
  • HarmBlock+ scans across the camera, apps, browsers and live streams at the screen-rendering stage, runs entirely on-device, and was trained on a 22 million‑image dataset, with SafeToNet claiming it cannot be removed or bypassed.
  • The phone starts as a basic calls‑texts‑location device and lets parents gradually unlock features, set app approvals and time limits, whitelist contacts, define safe zones, and view frequent location updates.
  • UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the launch as part of the online safety push, child-safety groups voiced support, and Vodafone research reported one in five secondary pupils felt pressured to share explicit images.
  • An Australia rollout is next, where the device will cost A$799 with 12 months of HarmBlock+ included, followed by a A$26.95 monthly fee for the service.