Online Safety Act causes website restrictions for gun trade

Gun trade businesses are experiencing unexpected website restrictions following the latest phase of the Online Safety Act implementation, which came into effect on 25 July.

The Act requires online platforms to implement age verification measures for content including the “glamourising of guns”. However, the Gun Trade Association (GTA) reports that some service providers are applying overzealous “blanket bans” to legitimate gun trade websites, potentially affecting shooting sports retailers, gunsmiths and sporting goods companies.

“Initial GTA concerns … have been realised,” said Stephen Jolly, chief executive of the GTA, in a letter to members. “Since [25 July], we have seen the first examples where GTA members are being affected.”

The GTA says it has established a working relationship with regulator Ofcom and can challenge these restrictions with proper evidence. Mr Jolly explained that Ofcom will support challenges “on the basis of any evidence we can provide”.

The Online Safety Act addresses various online harms and requires platforms to assess over 130 “priority offences”. While it aims to protect children from harmful content, the GTA argues that legitimate gun trade websites shouldn’t face blanket restrictions.

Businesses experiencing website issues are encouraged to contact the GTA at tech@gtaltd.co.uk with details including dates, restriction types and service providers.

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