The Government has hit back at Elon Musk's X platform after it claimed the Online Safety Act threatens free speech in Britain. The social media giant, formerly known as Twitter, published a scathing critique of the legislation and accused UK regulators of taking a "heavy-handed approach".
In a post titled "What Happens When Oversight Becomes Overreach", X outlined its concerns about the act's impact on freedom of expression. The platform warned that "many are now concerned that a plan ostensibly intended to keep children safe is at risk of seriously infringing on the public's right to free expression".
Government hits back at claims
The Government strongly rejected X's accusations, calling them "demonstrably false". A spokesperson insisted the Online Safety Act does not compromise free speech and is not designed to censor political debate.
The legislation, which came into effect on 25 July, requires online platforms to prevent children accessing harmful content such as pornography or material encouraging suicide. It also introduces new duties for providers to reduce users' exposure to illegal content and implements age verification measures for accessing pornographic material in the UK.
Ofcom launches investigations
Media regulator Ofcom announced this week it had launched investigations into 34 pornography sites over the new age-check requirements. The watchdog is examining whether these platforms are complying with the legislation's child safety provisions.
X argued that "a balanced approach is the only way to protect individual liberties, encourage innovation and safeguard children". The company claimed the act's "laudable intentions are at risk of being overshadowed by the breadth of its regulatory reach".
Severe penalties for non-compliance
The Government emphasised that the Online Safety Act places "clear and unequivocal duties on platforms to protect freedom of expression" alongside child safety obligations. Failure to meet either requirement can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to 10 per cent of global revenue or £18 million, whichever is greater.
Officials stressed that platforms have had several months to prepare for the new law. The Government spokesperson said it was "a disservice to their users to hide behind deadlines as an excuse for failing to properly implement it".
Political row erupts
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle became embroiled in a political row with Nigel Farage earlier this week over Reform UK's pledge to scrap the act if the party came to power. Kyle accused the Reform UK leader of being on the side of "extreme pornographers".
The dispute highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the legislation's implementation and its impact on digital platforms operating in Britain.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
