In a formal submission to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) regarding the ongoing enforcement of the Online Safety Act, Google warned that Britain's current trajectory risks plunging the nation into 'authoritarian irrelevance.'
The rebuke from Google marks a significant escalation in the tensions between Big Tech and the UK government. While companies like X (formerly Twitter) have frequently adopted a combative stance, Google has historically favoured diplomatic engagement. However, the search giant's tone has hardened as Ofcom, the communications regulator, moves to enforce the stricter 'Phase 3' codes of practice concerning legal but harmful content.
