Online Safety Act Backlash: UK Users Say “No Thanks” to Digital Overreach
The Online Safety Act has sparked a VPN frenzy, with apps topping UK download charts and a petition to repeal the act gaining over 550,000 signatures. Critics argue the legislation threatens privacy and free expression, while supporters claim it ensures child safety. Parliament faces the challenge of balancing these concerns.
Hot Take:
The Online Safety Act seems to be the UK’s latest attempt at playing Big Brother, but instead of feeling safer, citizens are turning to VPNs faster than you can say “censorship”. It’s like trying to keep your house safe by locking all the doors and windows, only to find out you’ve locked yourself out, too! Who knew digital safety could feel like a game of hide and seek—except everyone’s hiding from the government?
Key Points:
- VPN apps skyrocketed to the top of the download charts in the UK after the Online Safety Act’s age checks commenced.
- A petition to repeal the Online Safety Act has garnered over 550,000 signatures.
- Organizations like EFF and Open Rights Group are campaigning against the Act, arguing it infringes on privacy and free expression.
- The Act is accused of inadvertently censoring content and discriminating through algorithmic checks.
- Critics emphasize the need for a balanced approach to protect children and uphold freedoms.
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