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Wikipedia loses Online Safety Act legal challenge


Wikipedia has lost a High Court challenge against the UK Government over verification requirements in the Online Safety Act.

The Online Safety Act has provisions aimed at reducing the spread of harmful content but it has been widely criticised for imposing stringent new rules on all parts of the internet, sparking freedom of speech fears. The regulations were more designed for “major, profit-making technology companies” such as Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram, he argued, while imposing verification on Wikipedia users would be a breach of their human rights. Rejecting WMF and BLN’s claims, Mr Justice Johnson said his decision “does not give Ofcom and the Secretary of State a green light to implement a regime that would significantly impede Wikipedia’s operations”.

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