In an attempt to respond to growing concerns about hate and awful activity online, the Online Safety Bill imposes duties of care—binding legal obligations for online services—that require online services to mitigate Internet harms such as hate speech, child predation, minor access to online pornography, self-harm encouragement, and more. While these policies are well intentioned and target credible harm and severe content online, the Online Safety Bill’s loose definition of what constitutes “legal but harmful” content, overbroad scope, and general legislative overreach encroach on the civil liberties of all users—not just those in the United Kingdom. Specifically, the legislation undermines legal free expression, privacy, and anonymity. This report critically analyzes these challenges and provides alternative solutions that would minimize the Online Safety Bill’s negative impact on important civil liberties and better balance its intended goals.
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