Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Experts Warn: Online Safety Act Favors Big Tech

8/9/2025

48 9

Left

Billinge Warns Regulations

George Billinge raises alarms about age assurance technologies, highlighting the limited options for users compared to VPNs. He warns of potential data misuse under the Online Safety Act, which unfairly imposes heavy regulations on smaller sites. Jonathan Coates echoes this concern, arguing that the Act strengthens big tech's grip, leaving independent platforms struggling to keep up.

Right

UK Adults Embrace VPNs

The UK's Online Safety Act has sparked a dramatic 1400% rise in VPN downloads as adults scramble to protect their privacy from stringent age verification for adult content. This surge reflects deepening fears over data security and the potential erosion of online freedom under government regulations, leaving many questioning the balance between safety and personal liberty.

History

Historical Context

The 1996 Communications Decency Act aimed to regulate online content, sparking debates over free speech. Its Section 230 fostered the growth of over 1,000 websites by 2000. Today, the UK's Online Safety Act reflects similar tensions, as experts like George Billinge and Jonathan Coates caution about its potential impact on smaller sites and user privacy, highlighting the ongoing struggle between regulation and digital freedom.

1 of 3

Billinge Warns Regulations

George Billinge raises alarms about age assurance technologies, highlighting the limited options for users compared to VPNs. He warns of potential data misuse under the Online Safety Act, which unfairly imposes heavy regulations on smaller sites. Jonathan Coates echoes this concern, arguing that the Act strengthens big tech's grip, leaving independent platforms struggling to keep up.

1 / 3