In April, the United Kingdom enacted its Online Safety Act (OSA), which prompted the regulator Ofcom to issue notices of violation to three websites: 4chan, Gab, and Kiwi Farms. These sites face potential multimillion-dollar fines for alleged non-compliance. In response, attorney Preston Byrne, representing the sites, announced plans to file a lawsuit against Ofcom in U.S. federal court. He also requested that the Trump administration utilize its diplomatic resources to shield these platforms from the OSA’s implications.
Byrne’s legal efforts may place these controversial sites within the scope of U.S. policy aimed at preventing foreign governments from enforcing laws perceived as infringing on American free speech, including hate speech online. In an interview, Byrne stated he has been communicating with congressional offices and government officials regarding this issue and other related incidents in Europe. He expressed appreciation for the current government’s interest in free speech issues, asserting that U.S. representatives are eager for actionable information.
The OSA requires platforms to verify users’ ages to restrict access to certain content and remove illegal material. Following the law’s implementation, numerous American companies faced challenges, including Reddit and Bluesky, which had to adopt age verification measures. Wikipedia expressed concerns related to user anonymity and is currently involved in legal proceedings in the UK.
If Byrne’s lawsuit succeeds, it could establish that the OSA is unenforceable against American companies. The outcome of this legal challenge, along with potential Trump administration intervention, might impact similar regulations like the EU’s Digital Services Act. The broader implications of such a case could influence the dynamics of international internet regulation and digital sovereignty, areas fraught with complexity since the inception of the internet.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/politics/764653/4chan-uk-online-safety-act-trump