Over 400,000 people have signed a petition to repeal the UK’s Online Safety Act, prompting fierce debate over digital censorship and free speech. Critics argue the law creates a censorship regime by requiring age verification on high-risk platforms, while the government maintains it is necessary to protect children. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has denounced the measures as a form of state suppression, with tensions rising as Technology Secretary Peter Kyle criticized Farage for allegedly supporting sexual predators.
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.