X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has strongly criticised the UK’s new Online Safety Act, warning that the law could harm freedom of speech.
In a public statement, X raised concerns over the broad powers granted by the legislation. The company said, “Free speech will suffer. The Act’s laudable intentions are at risk of being overshadowed by the breadth of its regulatory reach. Without a more balanced, collaborative approach, free speech will suffer.”
New Rules Under the Online Safety Act
The criticism comes after the UK introduced new rules under the Online Safety Act. These rules apply to websites, including social media platforms and adult content sites. One major requirement is age verification—websites must confirm the age of users to stop children from viewing explicit or violent material.
X said it has started following the law by adding age verification systems. However, the company warned that the law could lead to over-censorship, especially because of the threat of large fines. It noted, “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.”
UK Government Defends the Law
Despite the criticism, the UK government continues to support the legislation. Officials have warned that companies that don’t follow the rules could be fined up to £18 million or 10 per cent of their global turnover. For X, this could mean a penalty of as much as £200 million.
The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, has already begun investigating websites that have failed to put proper safeguards in place. It has also reached out to several US-based platforms, including X, to remind them of their legal responsibilities.
Concerns About Police Monitoring
X also criticised a part of the law that allows the police to monitor social media posts that could be seen as anti-immigrant. The platform argued this goes beyond the law’s main goal of protecting children. X believes such actions could unfairly limit free expression.
This stance matches earlier comments by Elon Musk himself. He previously called the law a “suppression of the people.” Musk has also supported a public petition to repeal the law, which has already received more than 450,000 signatures.
Ofcom Responds
In reply to X’s complaints, Ofcom clarified its role. A spokesperson said that the rules do not require platforms to remove legal content for adults. They explained, “They must carefully consider how they protect users’ rights to freedom of expression while keeping people safe.”