Mumsnet welcomes news that Online Safety Bill - which could have 'catastrophic implications' - has been paused

Online abuse is an issue that disproportionately affects women - who make up the majority of Mumsnet's users - and it's clear there is a need for safeguards in law. But in its current form, the Online Safety Bill would have catastrophic implications for free speech and risk shutting down women's voices with its ill-defined reference to 'legal but harmful' content. We welcome the news that the Bill's passage has been paused, and look forward to working with the next government on a new approach to online safety that protects adults and children online without threatening freedom of expression".