HMD Fuse Smartphone launched Globally for children with AI-Powered Nude Content Blocking, Built-In Parental Controls

HMD Global has launched its new smartphone, the HMD Fuse in the Global Market, designed specifically for children. According to the company, it is the world’s first phone that prevents kids from recording or sharing nude content, and blocks them from viewing or saving explicit images—even during livestreams—thanks to HarmBlock+ with SafeToNet’s HarmBlock AI.

The device is designed to give parents more peace of mind about their children’s digital safety, addressing growing concerns over cyberbullying and online risks.

Development and Purpose -

The HMD Fuse was created as part of The Better Phone Project, an HMD initiative that gathered insights from more than 37,000 parents and children. Feedback highlighted the need for a device that strikes the right balance between safety and usability, as existing solutions were often either too permissive or overly restrictive.

Core Technology: HarmBlock+

The standout feature of the HMD Fuse is HarmBlock+, an AI-driven safety system built directly into the phone’s operating system rather than installed as an app. This makes it resistant to tampering or bypassing by users.

Key highlights include -

• On-Device AI - Operates locally on the phone, ensuring it works offline and across all apps, camera features, websites, and messaging platforms.
• Privacy-First Approach - Since all processing happens on-device, no personal data—such as photos, videos, or browsing history—is sent externally.
• Content Filtering - Trained on over 22 million images, the AI blocks nude content from being captured, displayed, or shared.

Parental Controls & Adaptability -

The HMD Fuse also offers extensive parental control tools, including:

• App Management: Parents can approve or block apps, set daily time limits, and schedule downtime for activities like bedtime or study hours.
• Location Safety: Features include live location tracking, location history, and safe-zone alerts.
• Communication Controls: A whitelist system lets parents restrict calls and messages to trusted contacts only.

The phone is designed to grow with children: it can start out as a simple device for calls, texts, and tracking, with more features like music apps, filtered browsing, and messaging unlocked over time.

Additional Features -

Beyond safety, the HMD Fuse shares similar hardware specifications with the HMD Fusion. It also comes with two interchangeable back covers, one of which includes a foldable LED light ring around the camera for selfies.

HMD Fuse Specifications -

Pricing and Availability -

The HMD Fuse is offered in a single Noir color and is now available in the UK exclusively through Vodafone. It is priced at £33 per month with an upfront cost of £30, and can be purchased in retail stores or online at vodafone.co.uk/family.