Alarming Reports of Sexual Abuse in UK Primary Schools Prompt Calls for Early Sex Education

Major tech companies, including Elon Musk's X and Google, have expressed concerns that the UK's new Online Safety Act may drive businesses out of the country. The Act, set to take effect soon, imposes fees on internet companies amounting to approximately £70 million ($88 million) annually to fund enforcement efforts targeting harmful content and age verification requirements. Google criticized the fee structure, arguing it could "stifle UK growth" and deter new services. X echoed these sentiments, stating that the revenue-based fee calculation may discourage global tech firms from launching services in the UK. Uber also opposed the measures, warning that such costs could lead companies to withdraw from the UK market. These concerns intensify as the UK government appears open to re-evaluating aspects of the Act amid pressure from the United States. According to Ofcom, which oversees the implementation, the proposed fees are intended to be fair and aligned with compliance objectives, while also asserting that the UK remains an attractive market despite regulatory changes.