Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says Labour plans to amend the UK’s online safety laws so that Ofcom can impose additional restrictions during periods deemed heightened, such as times of “crisis” or increased political tension. The proposals are described as a way to strengthen protections online when risks rise, including content that could contribute to harmful or disruptive activity.
The announcement has prompted a censorship row linked to concerns about how broad or discretionary the changes could be, particularly in the context of recent events involving Belfast. Critics argue that expanding regulator powers during tense periods could lead to tighter controls on online content. Supporters, as reflected in the reporting, frame the move as a targeted regulatory mechanism designed to respond to exceptional circumstances.
The plan focuses on enabling Ofcom to take action under specified conditions, rather than changing the baseline framework of the online safety regime. The issue is now likely to hinge on how “crisis” and “heightened tension” are defined, and what safeguards are included.
