White House warns Starmer over UK tech regulation
Alpaslan Düven-London
The White House has issued a public warning to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Britain’s new Online Safety Act, calling on his government to stop what it views as efforts to censor American tech companies.
According to U.S. officials, the law—now in effect—poses a threat to free speech and could impact major American platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Truth Social, Apple, and TikTok. A senior White House spokesperson said the administration is watching the UK’s approach with “great concern.”
“The United States values free expression and opposes regulatory efforts that could limit that right, especially for American companies operating internationally,” the spokesperson said.
The UK’s Online Safety Act gives the media regulator Ofcom powers to fine social media platforms that fail to control harmful or illegal content, with penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of global annual turnover.
U.S. Political Backlash
The warning was backed by several high-profile American politicians. Representative Jim Jordan described the UK law as “an attack on U.S. speech rights,” while allies of Donald Trump claimed the Starmer government was attempting to silence opposing political views.
Trump reportedly raised the matter during a recent meeting with British officials, joking that the UK should “uncensor” his social platform, Truth Social.
UK Government Defends the Law
In response, UK officials have defended the legislation as essential to protecting children and promoting online safety. Government spokespersons emphasized that the law does not target free speech but aims to hold tech companies accountable for harmful content on their platforms.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle stated the UK remains open to digital trade talks but added that “protecting children online is not negotiable.”
Media and Civil Society Back UK Law
More than 30 UK-based media organizations and advocacy groups have urged Prime Minister Starmer not to weaken the law in response to U.S. pressure. In a joint statement, they warned that yielding to foreign influence could undermine British democracy and the rule of law.
Summary
The disagreement highlights growing tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom over how to regulate online platforms. While the U.S. prioritizes free speech protections, the UK is taking a stricter approach to platform accountability. The outcome may shape future digital regulation models around the world.