Wikipedia has failed in its bid to overturn parts of the UK’s Online Safety Act, which it says could endanger the privacy and safety of its volunteer editors.

The Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit behind Wikipedia, had sought a judicial review of new regulations that may require the site to verify users’ identities. It argued the rules were overly broad and risked applying to platforms like Wikipedia—despite being aimed at large social media companies.

Under the Act, “Category 1” services must comply with the strictest safety rules. Wikimedia warned that, if classified in this category, Wikipedia would face burdensome verification duties. To avoid this, it might have to block about three-quarters of UK users or disable key site features.

Government lawyers said ministers had considered, but reasonably rejected, exempting Wikipedia from these rules. The High Court ultimately sided with the government.

However, the judgment did not give regulators “a green light” to hinder Wikipedia’s operations, said Wikimedia’s lead counsel, Phil Bradley-Schmieg. The court also left room for future challenges—especially if Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, decides to categorise Wikipedia as Category 1.

Legal experts say the decision still leaves “the door open” for exemption upon review. Ofcom said it will continue its work on classifying online services and enforcing the Act’s safety measures. Photo by Version 1 by Nohat (concept by Paullusmagnus); Wikimedia.