Online Safety Act Sparks Uproar as 380,000+ Demand Its Repeal—Gov’t Says No

A public petition calling on the UK government to repeal the Online Safety Act has now surpassed 380,000 signatures. This figure significantly exceeds the 100,000-signature threshold required for Parliament to consider debating the issue. Despite the overwhelming response, the government has firmly refused to repeal the law, stating it intends to work with the regulator Ofcom to enforce the legislation as intended.

The petition alleges that the Online Safety Act casts an overly broad net—threatening to shut down everyday online spaces such as hobby forums, gaming groups, and niche communities. Supporters argue the legislation unfairly targets small, non-commercial sites that may lack the resources to comply, risking their closure even though they don’t host harmful content.

Critics from across the political spectrum, including figures from Reform UK, have described the law as authoritarian. Nigel Farage labeled it a “borderline dystopian state,” while Zia Yusuf suggested the act could force platforms into censoring anti-government speech. They argue the law risks pushing young people toward using VPNs or even the dark web to bypass restrictions.

Privacy advocates and digital rights organizations have voiced concerns that mandatory ID or biometric age verification poses serious privacy risks. They argue relying on government-endorsed third-party providers for user verification may expose sensitive data to potential misuse or breach, and disproportionately impacts those fearful of surveillance—notably LGBTQ+ users or individuals in vulnerable situations.

The political backlash has intensified as opponents question whether the law’s reach is justified. Reform UK has pledged to repeal the act if elected, though critics note the party has yet to propose a detailed alternative strategy for keeping children safe online. The UK Technology Secretary responded by suggesting that dismantling the law amounts to siding with those who produce or distribute harmful content, a comparison that stirred considerable controversy.

Online Safety Act supporters argue the legislation grants regulators the flexibility to enforce proportionate protections. Ofcom is tasked with differentiating high-risk services from low-risk hobby platforms and tailoring rules accordingly. Supporters maintain that the act’s design aims to protect users—especially children—from harmful or illegal material while balancing freedom of expression.

Critics fear the law’s broad descriptors for “legal but harmful” content could lead to over-enforcement. Exempting smaller sites isn’t straightforward, because any user-generated service that could potentially be accessed by minors falls under Ofcom’s remit, increasing the risk of unintended censorship of innocuous content.

In response to these concerns, Ofcom and the government emphasize that enforcement will be guided by proportionality. Low-risk services will face fewer burdens, while high-risk platforms—such as those hosting adult content or user interactions—must comply with stricter age verification, reporting, and moderation tools. Ofcom is also tasked with protecting journalistic content and democratic speech under the law.

Despite these assurances, the petitioners remain unconvinced. They warn that the requirement to upload ID or scan one’s face for age verification could deter legitimate users from accessing important support communities or discussions. Some NGOs—including Wikipedia—are considering blocking UK users rather than compromising privacy, citing a lack of low-cost, secure alternatives.

Overall, the debate highlights deep tensions in digital policy: the need for child protection versus the risks to privacy, free speech, and platform diversity. While the petition has triggered a statutory response and momentum toward a parliamentary debate, the government’s refusal to repeal signals an official unwillingness to retreat from what it sees as a vital tool for online safety.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe & share!