The UK Labour Party has decided to backtrack on its Online Safety Act following threats of tariffs and the potential loss of a secure trade deal with the United States. This decision comes after intense pressure from the Trump administration, which has been critical of the Act’s stringent regulations on online content.
The Online Safety Act, which grants sweeping new powers to the regulatory body Ofcom, was designed to tackle harmful online content. However, it faced significant opposition from free speech advocates and tech companies, who argued that it could lead to excessive censorship and deter investment from American tech giants. Amidst these concerns, the Labour Party has agreed to renegotiate elements of the Act to address the US administration’s free speech concerns and secure a favorable trade deal.
Brilliant. Now please do Australia, @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/VTTik4XO7A
— Billboard Chris 🇨🇦🇺🇸 (@BillboardChris) February 11, 2025
Brazil relents to Trump White House and restores Rumble. UK relents to Trump White House and concedes willingness to renegotiate its online censorship law.
Wrecking Ball Diplomacy to save free speech, as foretold in the prophecy 🔮 https://t.co/Ovhu2TvxTW pic.twitter.com/DwTrHHxUUS
— Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) February 11, 2025
Sources:
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/trumps-tit-for-tat-tariffs-spreading-whats-next-britain-3528715
