The UK government has responded to backlash from Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, after the new Online Safety Law came under fire. Officials say the claims that the law threatens free speech are simply not true.

This new law, which started on July 25, is meant to protect children online. It requires social media and other internet platforms to stop minors from seeing harmful content like pornography.

X, the platform previously known as Twitter, voiced its concerns a day before the government responded. The company warned that even though the law aims to protect users, its wide scope might do more harm than good by limiting free speech.

X argued that the law feels too controlling. They said lawmakers had chosen to “increase censorship” while trying to make the internet safer.

But the UK government pushed back. A spokesperson said the idea that the law goes against free speech is completely wrong.

The government explained that the law includes strong rules to protect both children and freedom of speech. Platforms are only required to block access to the most dangerous content for kids, like porn or posts that encourage suicide or self-harm.

Officials also mentioned that online platforms have had several months to get ready for the changes.

Any platform that does not follow the law could be fined up to £18 million or 10% of their total global earnings—whichever amount is higher.