The spiked podcast The Online Safety Act: the silencing of Britain
Aug 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, stand-up comic Josh Howie sheds light on the implications of the UK's Online Safety Act. He critiques how age verification measures may backfire, encroaching on free speech and civil liberties. The team dives into systemic failures that led to tragedies, revealing the red flags ignored by law enforcement. They also unravel the chaotic aftermath of misinformation on social discord, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, questioning political motives and the need for a shift in public attitude.
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Politicians Flip on Online Safety Act
- UK politicians heavily defended the Online Safety Act as not limiting free speech initially.
- Many now admit it is an outrage, revealing political posturing and lack of honesty about censorship implications.
Online Safety Act Over-Censors Internet
- The UK's Online Safety Act creates a default "kidified" internet for all users due to broad age verification rules.
- This leads to excessive censorship, making many non-explicit materials inaccessible and restricting free speech.
Websites Exiting UK Over Compliance
- Many websites are shutting down or threatening to leave the UK due to compliance costs from the Online Safety Act.
- The act's censorship pressures and privacy intrusions are destabilizing digital platforms and communities.