Elon Musk clashes with UK over X and online safety act

Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has sharply criticised recent online safety legislation introduced in the United Kingdom, claiming the measures amount to censorship and could undermine the principle of free speech. In a rare and explicit challenge to UK regulation by a major technology firm, X asserted that significant changes to the law are necessary to prevent undue limitations on open discourse.

The new rules require adult websites and social media networks like X to verify the ages of their users, a move aimed at shielding children from explicit content. While government officials argue the law enhances child safety, privacy advocates and free speech campaigners are voicing concerns about regulatory overreach and the potential for excessive censorship. The breadth of the Act’s provisions has led to heated debate about the balance between security and individual rights.

X stated that free speech would suffer without a more measured and collaborative approach, questioning whether the public fully understood the trade-offs when the law was enacted. Recent measures, such as a police task force dedicated to monitoring online posts for anti-immigrant content, have also drawn criticism from X, which said such steps go beyond the original purpose of protecting minors.

Elon Musk, who acquired X in 2022, has been vocal in his opposition to the UK’s online safety regime, describing the Act as a suppression of the people. Over the weekend, Musk endorsed a petition calling for the repeal of the Act, which has accumulated over 450000 signatures. He has previously condemned the UK authorities for arresting individuals based on social media activity during periods of civil unrest.

X has implemented age verification systems and stressed its efforts to comply with the law, yet warns that the risk of substantial financial penalties may incentivise overzealous censorship. Companies that fail to abide by the rules face fines of up to £18 million or 10 percent of their turnover, with X potentially liable for up to £200 million if found in breach.

Enforcement of the new law has resulted in the removal of content covering topics such as the Gaza conflict, Ukraine, and a Parliamentary speech on grooming gangs. Regulators insist there is no obligation to restrict legal content for adult users, and that platforms are expected to consider freedom of expression alongside their duty to protect vulnerable groups. The controversy underscores the ongoing challenge in devising online safety regulations that safeguard children without eroding core civil liberties.