UK Government Faces Pressure Over Online Safety Act in US Trade Talks

Officials assert child safety protections are non-negotiable, but campaigners fear broader concessions to avoid Trump tariffs.

The UK government has stated that child safety protections under the Online Safety Act will not be compromised in trade negotiations with the US.
Reports suggest the government may review the Act's enforcement to secure tariff exemptions, raising concerns among campaigners and MPs.
The Online Safety Act, implemented in 2024, imposes strict regulations on tech companies, including significant fines and potential criminal charges for non-compliance.
Child safety advocates, including the Molly Rose Foundation, warn that any weakening of the Act would endanger children and erode public trust.
US officials have expressed concerns about the Act's impact on free speech, while UK negotiators face growing domestic pressure to uphold the legislation's core protections.