Wikipedia’s parent organisation has failed in a legal effort to block aspects of the UK’s new Online Safety Act, which it fears could undermine the privacy and safety of its volunteer contributors.
The Wikimedia Foundation argued that provisions in the law risk placing the online encyclopaedia in the “Category 1” tier — the most heavily regulated class of internet services — alongside major social media platforms. Such a designation could oblige Wikipedia to confirm the identities of its users, a step it says would damage both user safety and editorial independence.
The case was brought through a judicial review, which examines whether public bodies have acted lawfully in their decision-making. Wikimedia and a volunteer editor challenged the process by which ministers set the criteria for Category 1 services, warning the scope was overly broad. To avoid compliance, the foundation said it might have to limit access from the UK or remove key features of the site.
The High Court dismissed the claim but noted that Ofcom and the government are responsible for ensuring Wikipedia can continue to operate effectively. The ruling leaves room for further legal action if Ofcom does eventually apply Category 1 rules to the site.
