The UK’s Online Safety Act, now in force from 25 July 2025, introduces a sweeping framework aiming to shield children from illegal content and age‑inappropriate material. Platforms must conduct risk assessments, implement robust age verification for pornography and self-harm content, and swiftly remove illegal material under Ofcom’s codes of practice. Proponents argue these measures are essential to curb youth exposure to harmful online content.
Hands That Bind: Governmental Power Over Speech
But the Act grants broad powers to the Secretary of State, including the ability to direct Ofcom to modify codes of practice for public policy, national security, or public safety reasons without judicial oversight. Critics warn this power could be misused to suppress dissent under the guise of safety. Platforms like X and civil liberties advocates argue the Act's enforcement risks excessive censorship of legal speech, as firms remove broadly defined harmful content to avoid penalties.
UK’s Online Safety Act [part 2]
The Promise: Protecting Children Online
The UK’s Online Safety Act, now in force from 25 July 2025, introduces a sweeping framework aiming to shield children from illegal content and age‑inappropriate material. Platforms must conduct risk assessments, implement robust age verification for pornography and self-harm content, and swiftly remove illegal material under Ofcom’s codes of practice. Proponents argue these measures are essential to curb youth exposure to harmful online content.
Hands That Bind: Governmental Power Over Speech
But the Act grants broad powers to the Secretary of State, including the ability to direct Ofcom to modify codes of practice for public policy, national security, or public safety reasons without judicial oversight. Critics warn this power could be misused to suppress dissent under the guise of safety. Platforms like X and civil liberties advocates argue the Act's enforcement risks excessive censorship of legal speech, as firms remove broadly defined harmful content to avoid penalties.
Protect Kids - Preserve Rights - Promote Thought