Critics argue the Online Safety Act creates a censorship regime and turns the country into a “borderline dystopian state”
A petition to repeal the UK’s stringent new internet safety rules has surpassed 400,000 signatures within just five days of their enforcement. Critics claim the legislation restricts access to legal content and erodes digital privacy, although the British government has insisted the measures are necessary to protect children.
The Online Safety Act, adopted in 2023, grants communications regulator Ofcom broad powers to oversee user-generated content, enforce moderation, and mandate age checks on platforms likely to be accessed by children.
A key provision came into force last Friday, requiring pornographic websites to introduce ID-based age verification. The same rule applies to search engines, social platforms, and other services deemed high-risk. Xbox has already begun rolling out checks, with full enforcement due in 2026.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the rules “state suppression of genuine free speech,” while his aide Zia Yusuf slammed the legislation as “massive overreach” that “plunges this country into a borderline dystopian state.” Others argue the measures will restrict content based on vague risk assessments and establish a censorship regime under the guise of child protection.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle responded by accusing Farage of siding with sexual predators such as the late Jimmy Savile. Farage branded the remark “absolutely disgusting” and demanded a public apology.
The government has claimed enforcement will be proportionate but stressed that platforms must apply controls even if they appear low-risk. Civil liberties groups warn the law undermines privacy and could force adults to share biometric data to access legal content.
VPN usage in the UK has surged since the law came into force, with Proton VPN reporting a 1,800% increase in signups. Officials warn that platforms promoting VPN use to bypass safety rules could face penalties.
While most provisions have only just taken effect, the Online Safety Act has already been used in court. A man was jailed for cyber-flashing under a new offense created by the law. Others have also been prosecuted for posting false or harmful content on social media – raising further concerns about its impact on freedom of expression.
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