Following scathing criticism from social network X, the UK government has defended a new internet safety rule on Saturday, claiming that the claim that it “compromises free speech” was “demonstrably false.”

Online platforms are required by the legislation, which went into effect on July 25, to take precautions against youngsters being exposed to dangerous information, including pornography.

However, X said on Friday that “the scope of the act’s regulatory reach could potentially overshadow its noble intentions.”

“Free speech will suffer without a more balanced, collaborative approach,” the site, which was originally known as Twitter, continued, accusing authorities of adopting a “heavy-handed approach.”

The platform, which is controlled by billionaire Elon Musk, continued, “Lawmakers made a thoughtful decision to increase censorship in the name of ‘online safety’ when they approved these measures.”

It was “demonstrably false that the Online Safety Act compromises free speech,” the administration said.

“The same law places clear and unequivocal duties on platforms to protect freedom of expression, in addition to legal duties to keep children safe,” a spokeswoman said.

The government said that “platforms have had several months to prepare” and that the legislation “does not require platforms to age gate any content other than those which present the most serious risks to children, such as pornography or suicide and self-harm content.”

Platforms who violate the rules risk penalties of up to £18 million ($24 million), or 10% of their worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.