Software to block explicit content while it is filmed or streamed developed

The firm has already produced a device which detects patterns on a phone’s keyboard to prevent sexting, bullying and other abuse

It could be used on children’s phones to prevent them from creating, sending or receiving video or pictures involving nudity, sexual content and violence “before any damage is done”.

Technology is being developed that can block sexual or violent content as it is being filmed, shared or livestreamed, which could help safeguard hundreds of thousands of children.

A British start-up is using live-threat detection software, powered by artificial intelligence, to identify potentially harmful material as it is filmed or shared in real-time.