Wikimedia Foundation loses UK court challenge to Online Safety Act rules

The Wikimedia Foundation, operator of Wikipedia, has lost a legal challenge in London's High Court against parts of Britain’s Online Safety Act (OSA), a controversial law imposing strict obligations on online platforms.

The non-profit argued that regulations under the OSA could subject Wikipedia to the most stringent requirements by designating it a "Category 1 service" — a classification for the largest and highest-risk platforms, which must meet extensive content moderation, safety, and transparency obligations.

Judge Jeremy Johnson dismissed the case on Monday but said Wikimedia could bring a fresh challenge if communications regulator Ofcom — tasked with enforcing the OSA — "(impermissibly) concludes that Wikipedia is a Category 1 service."

The OSA, passed in October 2023, gives Ofcom the power to require platforms to protect children, remove illegal material, and address harmful but legal content. 

Critics, including social media site X, free-speech advocates, and content creators, have warned the rules are overly broad and risk censoring lawful speech.

The UK government has defended the law, with Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stating that opponents were "on the side of predators."

According to Wikimedia, the judge recognised the "significant value" of Wikipedia, its safety for users, and the damages that "wrongly-assigned" OSA categorisations and duties could have on the website's contributors.

"The Foundation will continue to seek solutions to protect Wikipedia and the rights of its users as the OSA continues to be implemented," it said.