Social media giants face crackdown over free speech breaches

SOCIAL media firms will face huge fines if they break freedom of speech laws, officials warned yesterday.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

Ministers have told Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok that lawfully held views must not be blocked on their online sites.

Campaigners have said free speech is threatened by the Government's application of the Online Safety Act, which is meant to protect children from harmful content.

Government insiders fear social media giants “have been overzealous” in how they are applying the Act.

Penalties