UK Online Safety Act Drives Widespread Social Media Censorship

The UK's Online Safety Act, aimed at protecting children from harmful online content, has sparked significant controversy over its impact on free speech and privacy. The law requires social media platforms and other services to implement stringent age-verification measures, including the use of biometric scans and digital identity tools, to restrict under-18s' access to a broad range of content, even if lawful. Critics argue that the Act enables mass censorship and surveillance extending beyond minors, with some claims it targets dissenting speech and political commentary, raising Orwellian concerns. Government officials, including Prime Minister Starmer, defend the legislation as a necessary child protection measure rather than a free speech infringement, emphasizing the prevention of access to harmful sites like those encouraging suicide. US President Donald Trump, visiting the UK, has stated that censoring his Truth Social platform would be a mistake, but expressed confidence that the UK's law would not affect his site; he also highlighted similar child protection efforts in the US. The debate reveals deep divisions about balancing online safety and free expression amid evolving regulatory efforts.