A UK party, Reform, has promised to repeal the recently implemented Online Safety Act, citing concerns that it would stifle free speech and push social media companies to limit false content. The party’s leadership team, including Nigel Farage and Zia Yusuf, claimed that the act would force social media giants like X (run by Elon Musk) to censor anti-government speech.
Yusuf described the act as “massive overreach” that would plunge the country into a “borderline dystopian state.” He argued that even with powers given to the media regulator Ofcom to levy fines for harmful content, social media companies could still evade regulations through VPN proxy servers. The party did not provide alternative solutions to protect children from online harm.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer defended the act, stating it was intended to protect children from false and potentially damaging content, particularly about suicide. He emphasized that free speech is a cherished value in the UK and will be protected.
Farage linked the issue of migration to rising rape cases, claiming that social policies have led to an “alarming parallel” between increased immigration and crime rates. However, he provided no evidence to support these claims.
The Molly Rose Foundation, which campaigns on suicide prevention and online risks, opposed the repeal of the Online Safety Act, stating it would put children at greater risk and be out of step with public opinion.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/28