THE Bitcoin Podcast 4chan Lawyer: How America Is Pushing Back Against UK & EU Censorship | Preston Byrne
Jan 9, 2026
Preston Byrne, a savvy technology and free-speech lawyer, dives into the fascinating world of online speech and censorship. He sheds light on how the UK and EU's new regulations aim to control American platforms like 4chan and Kiwi Farms, posing a direct threat to the First Amendment. Preston discusses his advocacy through the Granite Act, designed to shield U.S. entities from foreign censorship. The conversation also explores the cultural clash in speech regulation and the importance of preserving free expression on the global internet.
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Foreign Laws Aim To Outsource Censorship
- Preston Byrne explains foreign regulators developed internet censorship regimes to achieve through platforms what U.S. law prevents governments from doing directly.
- Those regimes aim to conscript American platforms into enforcing non-U.S. speech rules on U.S. servers and users.
Four U.S. Sites Were Singled Out
- Byrne describes how four U.S. platforms (SASU, Gab, Kiwi Farms, 4chan) were targeted in sequence by the UK's Online Safety Act enforcement efforts.
- He and his clients publicly refused UK demands and filed suit in D.C., turning enforcement attempts into a political issue.
Publicize Notices And Mobilize Washington
- When foreign regulators send censorship notices, publicize them and send copies to U.S. officials to build political pressure.
- Use litigation, lobbying, and publicity together to change the cost calculus for regulators.
