Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage, accusing him of 'failing young women' by pledging to repeal the Online Safety Act if elected. The controversial legislation, designed to protect users from harmful online content, has become a key battleground in the run-up to the next general election.
Rayner argued that scrapping the act would leave young women and girls vulnerable to online abuse, harassment, and exploitation. 'Farage's reckless plan to dismantle these vital protections shows how out of touch he is with the realities facing young people today,' she stated.
Online Safety at Risk
The Online Safety Act, which came into force last year, requires social media platforms to remove illegal content and protect children from harmful material. Critics like Farage claim it stifles free speech, but supporters insist it's essential for creating a safer digital environment.
'We cannot allow political posturing to undo years of progress in safeguarding vulnerable users,' Rayner emphasised. 'This isn't about censorship—it's about responsibility.'
Political Divide Widens
The debate highlights growing tensions between Labour and Reform UK over digital policy. While Farage frames the issue as one of personal freedom, Rayner insists that without regulation, tech giants will continue to prioritise profits over people.
'When platforms fail to act, it's women and marginalised groups who suffer most,' she added, pointing to rising rates of online misogyny and deepfake pornography.
As the election approaches, the future of online safety legislation looks set to remain a contentious issue, with young voters' concerns at its heart.
