The UK’s Online Safety Law Is Reshaping Social Media. Why Are X and Reddit Blocking War Posts?

On July 25, 2025, the UK’s Online Safety Act came into force, requiring platforms to implement strict age verification to protect minors from harmful content, including pornography, encouragement of self-harm, violence, or eating disorder promotion. Violations may result in fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a platform’s global revenue—or full service bans within the UK.

To comply, X and Reddit are restricting access to posts related to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as some parliamentary debates, unless users verify their age. One blocked post included a video of a man in Gaza searching for relatives in rubble—despite lacking any graphic content. Similarly, a drone strike video from Ukraine was also blocked for unverified users.

Reddit has extended age verification to news-related communities such as R/UkraineConflict. Access restrictions now apply to forums covering war, healthcare, and political debate. Even parliamentary speeches discussing violent crimes are limited on platforms, while still publicly accessible via government websites.

Experts warn that the law may suppress legitimate public discourse. While protecting young users is important, critics say the law must not become a tool for censorship. X has voiced concern that the law’s implementation poses a serious threat to free speech.