Message from BitChute:
Due to what we view as ongoing harassment from Ofcom, as well as our unwillingness to cooperate with a regime we view as hostile to our values and principles, we have disabled all remaining comment access entirely for UK video creators.
To our valued users in the United Kingdom, after careful review and ongoing evaluation of the regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom, we regret to inform you that BitChute will be discontinuing its video sharing service for UK residents.
The introduction of the UK Online Safety Act of 2023 has brought about significant changes in the regulatory framework governing online content and community interactions. Notably, the Act contains sweeping provisions and onerous corrective measures with respect to content moderation and enforcement. In particular, the broad enforcement powers granted to the regulator of communication services, Ofcom, have raised concerns regarding the open-ended and unpredictable nature of regulatory compliance for our platform.
The BitChute platform has always operated on principles of freedom of speech, expression and association, and strived to foster an open and inclusive environment for content creators and audiences alike. However, the evolving regulatory pressures—including strict enforcement mechanisms and potential liabilities—have created an operational landscape in which continuing to serve the UK market exposes our company to unacceptable legal and compliance risks. Despite our best efforts to navigate these challenges, the uncertainty surrounding the OSA’s enforcement by Ofcom and its far-reaching implications leaves us no viable alternative but to cease normal operations in the UK.
Therefore, effective immediately, BitChute platform users in the UK will no longer be available to view content produced by any other BitChute user. Because the OSA’s primary concern is that members of the public will view content deemed unsafe, however, we will permit UK BitChute users to continue to post content. The significant change will be that this UK user-posted content will not be viewable by any other UK user, but will be visible to other users outside of the UK. Users outside the UK may comment on that content, which the creator will continue to be able to read, delete, block, reply and flag. Users outside the UK may share UK-user produced content to other users outside of the UK as normal. In other words, for users in the UK, including content creators, the BitChute platform is no longer a user-to-UK user video sharing service.
We deeply regret the inconvenience and disappointment this decision may cause to our UK users and partners. This decision was not taken lightly. It reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, protecting our community, and ensuring that our platform remains a safe and sustainable space for creative expression globally. We recognize the value of our UK community and extend our sincerest apologies for the disruption caused by this necessary step. Our support team remains available to answer any queries or concerns regarding this transition.
We appreciate the support and engagement of our community around the world and remain dedicated to providing a platform that champions free expression and innovative content sharing in an environment of regulatory certainty.
Thank you for your understanding.
So… use a VPN if you are in the UK to access BitChute videos (of which there are many on Samizdata).
I understand that samizdata.net is based in the UK. You poor bastards.
I anticipate your blog going dark any time now. You are now officially living in a totalitarian country run by collectivist/statist/authoritarians. Get out if you can, and take your blog with you.
It’s only a matter of time until the IslamoMarxists start killing people there. And it will be your own government doing it.
Best of luck.
Samizdata is hosted on a US server, always has been.
When the establishment in the United Kingdom talk of Freedom of Speech, how precious it is to them, how it is a central principle of British life, and-so-on, may their lies turn to ashes in their throats – and choke them.
1. I agree with Blackwing1.
2. Y’all may be hosted on US servers, but if the writers are taken out by the State, that will do you little good.
Subotai Bahadur
That may protect the server but if any of the people who run this blog are based in the UK then Ofcom can hold them liable for failing/refusing to comply with the duties imposed by the Online Safety Act.
They’d have to go after me in Prague. Moreover, only I & a few others know who the more pseudonymous samizdatistas are & I have a terrible memory. Also, I can afford really good lawyers, I’m retired, & I’m a founder member of the FSU… so good luck with that.