UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering softening aspects of the Online Safety Act to avoid potential trade barriers and tariffs from being imposed on the allied nation by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Insiders suggest that the legislation, which imposes heavy fines on tech firms for failing to remove harmful content, is unpopular with Trump and key figures in his administration.
The Act has drawn criticism from free speech advocates and economists, who argue its broad scope could stifle online discourse and deter investment from American tech giants. Among its most vocal opponents is Elon Musk, who has reportedly urged Trump to challenge the law in trade negotiations with Britain. The legislation allows UK regulators to fine social media platforms up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue for noncompliance.
A source close to the discussions said Trump’s personal ties with tech leaders, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, could influence his stance on international free speech policies, reports The Telegraph.
Another insider described the law as “Orwellian,” adding, “To many people that are currently in power, they feel the United Kingdom has become a dystopian, Orwellian place where people have to keep silent about things that aren’t fashionable," reports GB News.
Attempt by Starmer to dilute the law could face resistance from within his own Labour Party. The party’s manifesto has pledged to strengthen online safety, particularly on social media. Despite growing concerns over potential U.S. tariffs, Trump has suggested that a compromise is possible, stating that he and Starmer are “getting along very well.”
Insiders suggest that the legislation, which imposes heavy fines on tech firms for failing to remove harmful content, is unpopular with Trump and key figures in his administration.
The Act has drawn criticism from free speech advocates and economists, who argue its broad scope could stifle online discourse and deter investment from American tech giants. Among its most vocal opponents is Elon Musk, who has reportedly urged Trump to challenge the law in trade negotiations with Britain. The legislation allows UK regulators to fine social media platforms up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue for noncompliance.
A source close to the discussions said Trump’s personal ties with tech leaders, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, could influence his stance on international free speech policies, reports The Telegraph.
Another insider described the law as “Orwellian,” adding, “To many people that are currently in power, they feel the United Kingdom has become a dystopian, Orwellian place where people have to keep silent about things that aren’t fashionable," reports GB News.
Attempt by Starmer to dilute the law could face resistance from within his own Labour Party. The party’s manifesto has pledged to strengthen online safety, particularly on social media. Despite growing concerns over potential U.S. tariffs, Trump has suggested that a compromise is possible, stating that he and Starmer are “getting along very well.”
