Farage Vows to Scrap Online Safety Act as PM
The Farage scrap Online Safety Act announcement sent shockwaves through Westminster on Monday as Reform UK declared its top legislative target. If elected Prime Minister, Nigel Farage would move swiftly to repeal the controversial act. The announcement, made by Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf, labeled the law “the greatest assault on freedom of speech in our lifetimes.”
Reform UK: Online Safety Act Is a Digital Threat
Zia Yusuf argued that the act, which came into force on Friday, has triggered a mass increase in VPN usage among UK teens. According to him, this proves the legislation is not only ineffective but also dangerous.
He stated, “Young people are being pushed toward the dark web because they know more about tech than the lawmakers who passed this.” He also referenced the suppression of content on X (formerly Twitter), especially posts criticizing immigration policies.
Yusuf added, “A specialist police force now monitors anti-migrant sentiment. This is dystopian legislation disguised as protection.”
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Farage: Lawmakers Don’t Understand Tech
Farage emphasized that the legislation’s intentions may have been noble, but its real-world consequences are dangerous. “We all want to protect children, but if the law drives them to VPNs and unregulated spaces, it’s failing.”
He continued, “This act was written by people who do not understand how the digital world works. It is creating a system that undermines safety in the name of control.”
While Farage admitted the need for safeguards, he insists Reform UK would start by repealing the act entirely. “We’ll find a better solution—but not one that risks making online spaces more dangerous.”
Labour and Government Push Back
The Labour Party responded swiftly, warning that Farage’s repeal plan would put young people at risk. A spokesperson said, “He would open the floodgates to suicide content, self-harm, and pornography. Farage isn’t serious about keeping anyone safe.”
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle backed the legislation, saying, “This law has been a long time coming, and tech firms had ample time to prepare. From today, families will experience a different, safer internet.”
Over 6,000 adult content platforms, including X, have implemented age verification using facial scans and credit card checks. Kyle insisted that this shift will protect children and restore trust in online platforms.
A Clash of Liberties vs. Safety
The Farage scrap Online Safety Act pledge underscores a philosophical battle. Reform UK argues for digital freedom, claiming current laws are tools of censorship. Meanwhile, critics stress that unregulated online environments pose extreme risks.
VPNs have become more accessible, and censorship concerns have grown. However, the absence of regulation, opponents argue, opens the door to exploitation and psychological harm, especially for minors.
What’s Next for Reform UK
Farage stopped short of detailing an immediate replacement but promised Reform would act responsibly. “We’re not against online safety. We’re against clumsy, ill-informed legislation that fails,” he said.
The debate is far from over. The Online Safety Act has become a new battleground—pitting civil liberties against public safety, and tech realism against political rhetoric.
The Farage scrap Online Safety Act position may prove pivotal in the next general election. As pressure mounts from both supporters and critics, the question remains: can Reform UK deliver both freedom and safety in the digital age?
