Wikimedia Foundation Challenges UK Online Safety Act Regulations
13 days ago
- #Legal Challenge
- #Wikipedia
- #Online Safety Act
- High Court dismissed Wikimedia Foundation's challenge to UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) Categorisation Regulations.
- Court emphasized Ofcom and UK government's responsibility to protect Wikipedia during OSA implementation.
- Judge recognized Wikipedia's 'significant value' and potential human rights damages to volunteer contributors.
- Court warned against implementing a regime that impedes Wikipedia's operations, suggesting flexible rule interpretations or amendments.
- Wikimedia Foundation continues to seek solutions to protect Wikipedia and user rights as OSA is implemented.
- High Court hearing scheduled for 22-23 July 2025 on Wikimedia's legal challenge against OSA Categorisation Regulations.
- Wikimedia argues regulations endanger Wikipedia and volunteer contributors, seeking global precedent for public interest projects.
- Wikipedia's volunteer-driven model ensures reliable, fact-based content in over 300 languages, viewed 15 billion times monthly.
- Category 1 duties under OSA could undermine contributor privacy, expose them to risks, and divert resources from improving Wikipedia.
- UK-based volunteer Wikipedia contributor joins as joint claimant, highlighting threats to privacy, safety, free speech, and association.
- Wikipedia is a vital resource in the UK, used 776 million times monthly, and supports cultural heritage like the Welsh language.