The UK government has dismissed claims by social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the newly implemented Online Safety Act compromises free speech.
The law, which came into effect on July 25, requires platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful content, including pornography.
X, owned by Elon Musk, criticized the legislation as overreaching and said it could stifle free expression. However, the UK government responded that the claim was “demonstrably false.”
A government spokesperson said the law balances child protection with freedom of expression, requiring age restrictions only for high-risk content.
Non-compliance could attract fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global turnover.
