Trump Administration Warns UK Over Online Speech Restrictions Targeting American Tech Firms

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U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a pointed warning to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government over the implications of the newly enacted Online Safety Act, raising concerns about its impact on free speech and American technology companies. The move comes as the United Kingdom begins enforcement of tighter online regulations, including mandatory age verification across thousands of websites and platforms.

The Online Safety Act, introduced at the end of last week, imposes legal obligations on online platforms to safeguard users, particularly minors, from harmful content. Major platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Discord, and Bluesky have started implementing compliance measures, including stricter user verification processes.

However, U.S. officials have expressed concern over the extraterritorial reach of the legislation, especially regarding freedom of expression and the effect on American-based firms operating within the UK. In a statement to The Telegraph, a U.S. State Department official said, “President Trump has made it clear that free speech is one of our most cherished freedoms as Americans. Accordingly, we have taken decisive action against foreign actors who have engaged in extraterritorial censorship affecting our companies and fellow citizens.”

The official added that the Trump administration would continue to “monitor developments in the UK with great interest and concern,” suggesting that further action may be considered if U.S. platforms are subjected to what it views as restrictive policies abroad.

The UK Government’s new law has also drawn criticism from within. Reform UK has pledged to repeal the Online Safety Act if elected, arguing that it threatens lawful free expression and hands excessive power to regulators. The party insists the legislation oversteps in its attempt to regulate content and could lead to broader restrictions on speech.

In a controversial exchange earlier this week, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of siding “with people like Jimmy Savile” over his opposition to the law, a comment that was widely condemned as inflammatory and divisive.

This growing transatlantic rift over internet regulation highlights a broader debate between American-style free speech protections and increasingly interventionist European and British digital policy frameworks. As the UK presses ahead with enforcement, the issue is expected to remain a flashpoint between governments and the global tech industry.