For the UK to strike a deal with the US, the Government may consider amending the Online Safety Act to facilitate a trade deal with the United States.

The Online Safety Act places stringent regulations on digital platforms to combat illegal and harmful content online, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

The US has expressed concerns that these regulations disproportionately affect American tech companies, viewing them as potential trade barriers.

The deal could also see competition regulation being relaxed.

In a joint letter, alongside nearly 40 media organisations, the PPA has urged Keir Starmer not to relax tech regulations to secure a trade deal with the US. The letter warns that such changes would undermine UK sovereignty and democratic integrity.

Addressing these concerns, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said that the UK government will not amend the Online Safety Act as part of its trade negotiations with the US. She emphasised that online regulation remains a domestic priority and is not open for negotiation (read more here).

Since, Trump has paused the large tariffs he imposed on countries. We are still waiting for a formal deal to be struck between the UK and US, and the PPA is engaging with a broad group of stakeholders on this.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the implications in more detail, please contact Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Eilidh Wilson (eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk)

Information correct at time of first publication (10/04/2025).