UK Government Firm on Online Safety Laws Despite Big Tech Criticism
Published Date : 12/01/2025
The UK's technology secretary, Peter Kyle, has firmly stated that the country's new online safety laws will not be negotiated, despite pressure from big tech leaders like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. The government aims to balance safety and innovation, positioning the UK as a leading hub for AI development.
The UK government is standing firm on its new online safety laws, with Technology Secretary Peter Kyle warning that these measures are ‘not up for negotiation.’ This stance comes amid increasing criticism from tech giants like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla’s Elon Musk, who have accused the UK and other European countries of 'censorship.'
Peter Kyle, in an interview with the Observer, emphasized that the recent laws designed to protect children and vulnerable people online will not be diluted to attract big tech companies to the UK.
The government is keen to position the country as a ‘sweet spot’ for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and these safety measures are part of that strategy.
Zuckerberg has been particularly vocal in his criticism, announcing that Meta will be ditching ‘politically biased’ fact-checkers and reducing restrictions on topics like immigration and gender on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
He also vowed to work with former US President Donald Trump to push back against governments that he believes are ‘censoring’ American companies.
While he did not specifically mention the UK, his comments reflect a broader dissatisfaction with European online safety laws.
Kyle, however, is undeterred.
He stated, 'The threshold for these laws allows responsible free speech to a very, very high degree.
But I just make this basic point access to British society and our economy is a privilege – it’s not a right.
And none of our basic protections for children and vulnerable people are up for negotiation.'
He added, 'I was in California speaking to these companies in December.
I was there in November.
None of this has been challenged.
There is a great deal of interest in our direction of travel.
I think there is a great deal of suspicion about some countries around the world and the way that they are acting.
But I think we have not only led the world in online safety, I think we’ve done it in a way which is sensitive and on the side of innovation.'
The Online Safety Act, passed last year, requires large social media platforms to remove illegal content, enforce their own content rules, and give users the means to screen out harmful content.
The father of Molly Russell, a teenager who took her own life after exposure to harmful content online, has expressed concern that the rules are not tight enough.
Kyle has also asked Ofcom to examine how illegal content, particularly disinformation, spread during last summer’s riots.
He stressed that his judgments on the issue would not be swayed by the demands of big tech.
'The safety of people across Britain is not up for negotiation,' he said.
'But also, investing in a country where its citizens are safe and feel safe is a better bet than one where they don’t.
People do vote with their feet on these issues and platforms upon which people don’t feel safe are ones that tend not to do as well as others.'
This week, the government will launch its AI action plan, aiming to encourage tech investment in the UK by presenting the country as less regulated than the EU and well-placed to host development.
Kyle is toning down the previous government’s ‘overbearing’ focus on AI safety concerns.
The launch of the AI action plan coincides with big tech leaders moving closer to Trump as his political influence grows.
Meta is replacing its fact-checking with a 'community notes' style system, similar to that used by the Musk-owned X.
Musk has become an outspoken critic of the Labour government, amplifying far-right criticism of Keir Starmer and making wild claims about safeguarding minister Jess Phillips.
Phillips has expressed increased concern for her safety due to Musk’s comments.
Musk has also criticized the government for rejecting his calls for another national inquiry into grooming gangs.
While Starmer has said his government is open-minded about holding one in the future, he argues that it should first prioritize enacting recommendations from a 2022 independent report into child sexual abuse.
Kyle said he would be happy to talk with Musk, but only on terms that focus on delivering the benefits of new technology to Britain.
'I am so focused on getting our country to the point where we are fully exploiting all of the technology that is out there, so that we then move to a position where we’re creating more of it and innovating for more of it,' he said.
'Nothing will distract me from that mission.
I’m available to talk to any innovator, any potential investor, but it is on those terms.
The rest of it, I’m just not interested in - with the exception of when it tips over into the kind of content which started to emerge around Jess, where it does need challenging.
But I have a very high threshold for this.
My priority is to be 100% focused on what will put food on the plates of Britons today and into the future.'
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):
Q: What is the UK's Online Safety Act?
A: The Online Safety Act is a UK law designed to protect children and vulnerable people online. It requires large social media platforms to remove illegal content, enforce their own content rules, and give users the means to screen out harmful content.
Q: Who is Peter Kyle?
A: Peter Kyle is the UK's Technology Secretary. He is responsible for making the UK a leading player in the AI revolution and ensuring the implementation of the Online Safety Act.
Q: Why are tech giants like Meta and Elon Musk critical of the UK's online safety laws?
A: Tech giants are critical of the UK's online safety laws, claiming they constitute 'censorship' and restrict free speech. They are also concerned about regulatory burdens that could impact their business operations.
Q: What is the UK government's AI action plan?
A: The UK government's AI action plan aims to encourage tech investment in the UK by positioning the country as less regulated than the EU and well-placed to host AI development. It focuses on balancing innovation and safety.
Q: How is the UK government responding to Elon Musk's criticism?
A: The UK government, particularly Peter Kyle, is focusing on the benefits of new technology and innovation. While open to discussions with tech leaders, they are firm on their stance regarding online safety laws and the protection of citizens.