The UK's Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, mandates that online platforms take greater responsibility for harmful content shared on their platforms. It particularly focuses on protecting children and vulnerable users from online abuse, harmful content, and misinformation. Platforms must remove such material promptly and ensure they have systems in place to mitigate risks.

However, the law also includes provisions targeting “legal but harmful” content, which has been a point of contention. Critics argue this term is vague and opens the door to arbitrary censorship.

🗣️ X’s Free Speech Standpoint

In a recent filing, X Corp, owned by Elon Musk, asserted that the legislation threatens the fundamental principles of freedom of expression. The company argues that the law compels platforms to act as arbiters of permissible speech, which contradicts the open nature of digital communication.

X's legal team stressed that “compelled removal of lawful content” violates both UK common law rights and international human rights standards. The platform is pushing back against provisions that would make it liable for failing to remove such content quickly—even when it doesn't breach any UK law.

⚖️ Legal Pushback and Public Discourse

The legal challenge by X marks one of the first high-profile tests of the UK’s expansive new internet regulations. The platform is seeking judicial review of specific provisions, particularly those that enable Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, to demand removal of content or impose financial penalties.

Legal analysts say the case could set a precedent for how far governments can go in regulating online discourse without infringing on rights to free speech. Civil liberties organizations such as Big Brother Watch and Index on Censorship have echoed X’s concerns.

🏛️ UK Government Defends the Law

In response to the growing criticism, the UK government has doubled down on its support for the Online Safety Act. A spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport stated that the legislation is “vital to ensure that children and vulnerable users are protected in the digital environment.”

Officials argue that the law includes adequate safeguards for free speech and is targeted at harmful—not merely controversial—content. Ofcom is expected to issue detailed guidelines on enforcement soon.

🌍 Implications Beyond the UK

X’s legal pushback could have ripple effects across global tech regulation. Other democracies are closely watching how the UK navigates the intersection of user safety and civil liberties online. With more governments crafting online safety laws, the outcome of this legal battle could influence future legislation worldwide.