Online Safety Act 2023: Virtual Private Networks

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Monday 15th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Young of Acton (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as the head of the Free Speech Union. As I am sure the—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Conservative Benches. Please make up your minds about which noble Lord will ask a question.

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords, I was interested to read comments from Republican politicians over the weekend calling out the role of social media in polluting political discourse, particularly after the horrific events in America last week. Can we please recognise that we are pioneers in this country in terms of regulating platforms and that Ofcom is doing a terrific job? While parliamentary oversight is very important, can we please allow Ofcom the time to implement this very complex legislation and find time to applaud the effective job that it is doing?