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Google Slams UK’s Online Safety Act, Fears Free Speech Threat

12/21/2025

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Google has sharply criticized the UK Labour Government's Online Safety Act, saying it threatens free expression.
Ofcom's plan to limit the spread of potentially illegal content could hinder access to legal material, according to Google.
Ofcom says its proposals do not mandate removal of legal content.
The dispute heightens US-UK tensions over internet regulation as concerns grow about including AI chatbots under the Act.

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Story summary

Google has sharply criticized the UK Labour Government's Online Safety Act, saying it threatens free expression.
Ofcom's plan to limit the spread of potentially illegal content could hinder access to legal material, according to Google.
Ofcom says its proposals do not mandate removal of legal content.
The dispute heightens US-UK tensions over internet regulation as concerns grow about including AI chatbots under the Act.