Overview

• On August 11, the High Court rejected the Wikimedia Foundation’s challenge to the Online Safety Act’s Categorisation Regulations but ruled that the nonprofit may bring another judicial review if Ofcom deems Wikipedia a Category 1 service.
• Mr Justice Johnson praised Wikipedia’s “significant value” and warned that neither Ofcom nor the Secretary of State may adopt measures that would substantially impede its volunteer-driven operations.
• A Category 1 designation would impose strict duties on Wikipedia, including identity verification of users, faster removal of harmful content and extensive reporting requirements.
• Wikimedia warns that to fall below the Category 1 threshold—defined in part by user numbers—it might need to cut its UK audience by roughly three-quarters or limit key site functions.
• Ofcom is expected to publish its first categorisation decisions by the end of summer 2025, a move that could trigger further legal challenges or prompt regulatory amendments.