Voices: ‘Pure madness to share personal data with porn sites’: Readers react to new online safety rules

Under rules that came into effect on July 25, online platforms such as social media sites and search engines must take steps to prevent children from accessing harmful content - (Getty Images)

Reaction to the Online Safety Act has been deeply divided, with many Independent readers voicing fears that the new legislation will do little to protect children while posing a significant threat to free speech and personal privacy.

Several commenters warned that the act’s broad and vague definitions of “harmful content” could result in censorship of news, political debate and even parliamentary speeches.