Social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, has raised concerns that the UK’s Online Safety Act, currently being implemented, could undermine free speech due to its overly broad enforcement. The legislation, designed to protect children and remove illegal content, imposes strict requirements on platforms like X, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, as well as pornography websites.

Critics, including politicians, free-speech advocates, and content creators, argue the law’s wide-reaching scope has led to the censorship of legal content. Over 468,000 people have signed a petition calling for the act’s repeal, with many objecting to age verification measures requiring personal data to access certain sites. Despite these concerns, the UK government, backed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, has defended the law, dismissing repeal demands and accusing critics of supporting predators.

In a statement, X acknowledged the act’s intent to enhance online safety but cautioned that its extensive regulatory framework risks stifling free expression. “The trade-off between safety and censorship may not be fully understood by UK citizens,” X noted, highlighting the rushed timeline for compliance and the threat of fines, which it claims incentivize over-censorship.

X, which has implemented age verification, urged for a more balanced approach to protect both children and free speech while fostering innovation. “Significant reforms are needed to align the act with these goals,” the platform stated.

A UK government spokesperson rejected claims that the law compromises free speech, emphasizing its provisions to safeguard both child safety and freedom of expression. Meanwhile, regulator Ofcom announced investigations into 34 pornography sites to ensure compliance, signaling active enforcement of the act.