UK Govt Targets Foreign Firms’ Free Speech.

The United Kingdom’s enforcement of its 2023 Online Safety Act has taken an international turn, as it now extends demands of compliance on foreign entities, notably affecting the U.S.-based social platforms Gab and Kiwi Farms.

Under this legislation, the UK mandates that these platforms comply with stringent online safety standards, which has stirred significant controversy due to its perceived infringement on free speech. Gab, led by CEO Andrew Torba, has staunchly refused to comply with these demands, despite threats of severe penalties from the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom), which could include fines up to £18 million or 10 percent of Gab’s global revenue. This resistance highlights a critical stand on free speech, as Gab’s approach to the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Justice indicates an intent to challenge these international regulatory overreaches on legal grounds. Critics like U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance have openly criticized these UK policies as an attack on free expression, emphasizing the global implications of this law.

The scenario has not only led to legal and diplomatic tensions but also highlighted the potential for international trade disputes and set a precedent for how nations might attempt to regulate digital spaces beyond their jurisdictions. Gab and Kiwi Farms have both voiced their opposition through public statements and on their platforms, with Kiwi Farms warning UK users about privacy concerns and advocating for the use of VPNs or Tor to maintain anonymity. Gab’s firm stance was further underscored when Ofcom sent a notice on March 26, 2025, asking for compliance by the impossible earlier date of March 16, which Gab used to critique the regulatory overreach. The debate around this issue encapsulates broader concerns about government control over online speech and the sovereignty of digital platforms. The outcome of this confrontation could influence how global internet governance is approached, potentially affecting the operational freedom of tech companies worldwide and setting the stage for future discussions on digital rights and censorship.