HMD, the Finnish company behind Nokia-branded phones, has launched Fuse a smartphone designed specifically for children that utilizes artificial intelligence to block all nude content. According to HMD, Fuse is the first device to feature direct AI-based filtering of inappropriate material.
At the heart of Fuse is HarmBlock AI, a tool developed by British cybersecurity firm SafeToNet, which operates locally on the device. The technology restricts actions on both the phone’s screen and camera, preventing kids from capturing or sharing nude images. It also stops users from viewing or saving such content, even during live streams.
Fuse comes with a comprehensive set of parental controls. Parents can monitor their child’s phone activity, set app-specific time limits, and track device location. By default, social media apps and internet access are blocked. Restrictions can be adjusted as children mature parents have the option to activate additional features like limited web browsing and messaging over time.
In recent years, HMD has distinguished itself from mainstream smartphone brands by prioritizing repairability and longevity. The company’s latest focus taps into growing parental concerns about online privacy and digital safety for kids. Research cited by HMD a global survey of 37,000 parents and children revealed an increasing demand for more effective controls on children’s mobile access.
The device sports a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 600nits. Powered by Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and supporting 5G, Fuse is available in black. For now, the smartphone can only be purchased in the UK through Vodafone, priced at £33 (about Rs 3,878) per month with an upfront cost of £30 (about Rs 3,526). There is currently no information on an Indian launch.
HMD’s previous Indian release was the modular HMD Fusion, launched in November 2024 at Rs 17,999.
