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last mo.

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.

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The Molly Rose Foundation, chaired by Ian Russell, was among signatories rejecting calls for two laws to be watered down to suit big American companies

Overview

  • 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.