A high-ranking British minister has firmly declared that the nation’s newly implemented digital safety legislation, aimed at combating online hate speech, is “non-negotiable,” following Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement to align with Donald Trump in challenging nations they believe are “censoring” content.
Speaking to the Observer, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that recent regulations designed to protect children and vulnerable individuals online would remain steadfast, regardless of efforts to attract major technology companies to the UK in pursuit of economic expansion.
These statements emerge as Keir Starmer readies himself for a significant diplomatic outreach to technology companies this week, positioning Britain as the ideal location for artificial intelligence (AI) development.
Nevertheless, the prime minister faces this task amid ongoing and aggressive criticism from Elon Musk, a prominent Silicon Valley figure and vocal Trump advocate.
In a comprehensive statement last week, Zuckerberg announced plans to remove “politically biased” fact-checking systems and ease restrictions on controversial topics like immigration and gender across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
He further stated his intention to “collaborate with President Trump in opposing governments worldwide that target American companies and promote increased censorship.”
Though not explicitly mentioning the UK, which enacted its Online Safety Act in the previous year, Zuckerberg criticized Europe for implementing “an increasing array of laws that institutionalize censorship.”
Kyle, who is set to unveil the government’s AI strategy alongside Starmer this week, acknowledged that Zuckerberg faces similar free speech challenges that he encounters as a legislator.
However, Kyle remained resolute about maintaining Britain’s new online safety regulations.
“These laws permit responsible free speech to an exceptionally high degree,” he stated. “But I must emphasize this fundamental point: accessing British society and our economy is a privilege – not an inherent right. And our fundamental protections for children and vulnerable individuals are absolutely non-negotiable.”
I conducted meetings with these tech companies in California during both November and December. These discussions have remained uncontested. There’s significant enthusiasm regarding our strategic approach. I’ve observed considerable wariness about certain nations’ conduct in this space.
“We haven’t just been global pioneers in online safety – we’ve achieved this while maintaining sensitivity and supporting innovation.”
Under the provisions of the Online Safety Act, major social media platforms will be required to ensure the removal of illegal content, including hate speech, implement their stated content policies effectively, and provide users with tools to filter out specific types of harmful content according to their preferences.
This development coincides with recent statements from Molly Russell’s father, whose daughter died by suicide in 2017 after exposure to harmful online content, expressing concerns that the current regulations aren’t sufficiently stringent.
Following the civil unrest last summer, which was amplified by online misinformation, Kyle requested Ofcom to investigate the spread of illegal content, particularly focusing on disinformation during the disturbances, to determine if additional regulatory measures were necessary. He emphasized that tech industry pressure wouldn’t influence his policy decisions.
“The safety of British citizens isn’t something we’re willing to compromise on,” he emphasized. “Moreover, investing in a nation where citizens feel secure is ultimately more advantageous than one where they don’t. Users naturally gravitate away from platforms where they feel unsafe, and such platforms typically underperform compared to their competitors.”
The upcoming release of the government’s AI action plan aims to stimulate tech investment by positioning the UK as a more flexible regulatory environment compared to the EU, making it an attractive hub for development. Kyle is also shifting away from the previous administration’s “excessive emphasis on AI safety concerns”.
The timing of the action plan’s introduction coincides with Silicon Valley leadership’s increasing alignment with Trump as his inauguration draws near. Meta is transitioning from its fact-checking system to a “community notes” approach, similar to the model employed by Musk’s X platform.
Musk has emerged as a vocal opponent of the Labour administration, frequently echoing and amplifying far-right criticisms of Starmer. The tech entrepreneur’s confrontational stance intensified last year during the government’s handling of the summer unrest, when he publicly accused Britain of devolving into “a police state”.
The Labour party’s internal frustration continues to mount over Musk’s commentary, particularly following his recent political interventions which included making unfounded allegations against safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips. Phillips has expressed heightened concerns about her personal security following these statements.
Additionally, Musk has expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision to decline his demands for another national inquiry into grooming gangs.
While Starmer’s administration maintains openness to potentially conducting such an inquiry in the future, he emphasizes the importance of first implementing recommendations from the 2022 independent report into child sexual abuse.
In an apparent effort to de-escalate tensions with Musk, Kyle expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the billionaire, but strictly within the context of advancing technological innovation in Britain.
“My absolute focus is on advancing our nation to fully harness existing technological capabilities, positioning us to generate and innovate new technologies,” he stated. “This mission remains my unwavering priority.
“I’m ready to engage with any innovator or potential investor, but strictly on these terms. I won’t be drawn into other matters – except when situations arise, like the recent comments about Jess, which demand a response.
“However, my threshold for engagement is deliberately high. My primary commitment is ensuring the current and future prosperity of British citizens, focusing on tangible outcomes that benefit their daily lives.”
