J.D. Tuccille: The global threat to free speech has a British accent |
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J.D. Tuccille: The global threat to free speech has a British accent
U.K. regulator is trying to censor American websites, but one lawyer is fighting government over-reach with a sense of humour
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British media recently reported that the country’s internet regulator, Ofcom, imposed millions of pounds worth of fines for forbidden content, but collected only a pittance from scofflaw firms. Unmentioned was that some of the targeted companies are based in the United States, where they’re protected by the First Amendment, and have no presence in the United Kingdom beyond their websites’ accessibility. In an age in which bureaucrats worldwide are seeking power beyond national borders, U.K. censors are distinguishing themselves for their ambitions — and the humiliation they’ve so far suffered.
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According to a report from British broadcaster LBC, “adult sites brazenly ‘ignore’ Ofcom fines” imposed on them for failing to implement age checks on users seeking access to information that’s subject to age restrictions in the U.K. The report adds that, “Ofcom has recovered just £55,000 of fines out of over £3 million imposed on companies in breach of child safety laws.”
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