Open Rights Group

The UK needs to break the cycle of dependency on Big Tech ⛓️‍💥 Proprietary systems, secret code and punishing exit fees mean we're out of pocket and out of control. The legacy is one of failure over strategic investment. That's why we need Digital Sovereignty now. ORG's @jim.killock.org.uk explains.

Before the online safety consultation even ended, the government indicated that new restrictions are on the way. Pushing for a social media ban ignores its inherent fault – it doesn't work. ORG's James Baker explains how people will find workarounds and what's a better way to address online harms.

Digital checkpoints will crop up all over the Internet after MPs backed new powers to expand age verification. The only way to block under-16s is to run checks on everybody. That's millions more people having to hand over personal data to unregulated providers just to access everyday services.

UK digital infrastructure is on shaky ground. Our dependency on Big Tech must end. We're being ripped off and putting our systems at risk of foreign interference. ORG's @jim.killock.org.uk explains why we need Digital Sovereignty with open source tech. ➡️ www.openrightsgroup.org/publications...

The use of AI in asylum decision-making is likely unlawful. These tools rewrite interviews, choosing what to include and exclude. Without knowing this, asylum applicants can't be sure accurate information is used to inform decisions. 📺️ ORG's @sarahalsherif.bsky.social explains the legal opinion.

Digital ID checkpoints could erupt across the Internet 🆔 The government is seeking a power grab. And it's not just social media. Every adult will have to do ID checks to access whatever online services the government – any government – decides to restrict or curfew. ORG's James Baker explains ⬇️

Age walls could be erected at the government's whim. New Henry VIII powers would give Ministers the ability to impose age verification across the Internet. And it goes way beyond social media. We'll have to surrender our ID to unregulated providers for everyday access to information and services.

ORG and the Safety Not Surveillance coalition hit the streets of London. We sent the message that so-called 'crime-predicting' tech must be BANNED! Because we have the right to be presumed innocent, not predicted guilty. Read more ➡️ www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/why-pre...

ORG launched a tool so the public could object to Stalker Ads. With @GoodLawProject, we took the message to Meta’s offices and asked why they were ghosting us. They’ve since announced a flawed ‘pay or consent’ model – the fight isn’t over! Read more ➡️ www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releas...

Police tech doesn't predict crime. It predicts policing. Fed on flawed police data, so-called 'crime-predicting' tech automates racism and discrimination against overpoliced communities. The Safety Not Surveillance coalition spread the word. Sign up ➡️ action.openrightsgroup.org/join-fight-a...

We went outside the national police summit and this is what happened... When we tried to ask delegates to talk on camera, no one wanted to. Why? Because constant monitoring doesn’t feel safe. It feels intrusive 🤷‍♂️ #SafetyNotSurveillance #BanCrimePredictingTech

Today, outside the national policing conference members of the Safety not Surveillance coalition went to deliver a simple message… Communities don't want more surveillance. They want real safety. @amnestyuk.bsky.social #SafetyNotSurveillance #BanCrimePredictingTech

Twitchers. TikTokkers. Youtubbers. Age verification could be about to hit livestreaming. All under-18s will have engagement and self-expression crushed by Ofcom's proposals. There must a risk-based approach, not a blanket ban. Reply to the consultation ➡️ action.openrightsgroup.org/online-safet...

The Online Safety Act is ballooning in scope. Bumping up 'self-harm' content as a priority offence means these sort of posts will be stripped from social media for adults and kids. ORG's James Baker explains how this change to the law will result in therapeutic or support content being censored.

Social media is an "unhealthy online environment" 🤮 The problem lies with the business model that underpins these monopolistic platforms: they promote ragebait to rake in the money. ORG's Jim Killock told BBC News what needs to be done: ✅ Competition. ✅ User empowerment. ✅ Decentralisation.

The Online Safety Act is an unworkable mess 💩 Can it be changed? And if so, is there the political will to do it? Instead of doubling down on more censorship, Ofcom and the government must take steps to protect freedom of expression. ORG's @sarachitseko.bsky.social and James Baker discuss ⬇️

Content takedowns under the Online Safety Act could go further ⚠️ Damaging free expression has knock-on effects. It limits what we get to know about in the public interest and how we can hold power to account. ORG's @sarachitseko.bsky.social and James Baker discuss the impact on live-streaming ⬇️

The Online Safety Act is trashing free speech 👁️‍🗨️ Automated filters designed to blot out 'illegal' content will result in over-moderation. This has serious consequences, particularly when combined with the proscription of Palestine Action. Hear from ORG's @sarachitseko.bsky.social and James Baker ⬇️

Teens are locked out of parts of the Internet by the age gate that the Online Safety Act has imposed 🚧 Don't believe the hype: it goes way beyond the headlines of porn. From health advice to memes, content is being over-moderated. ORG's @sarachitseko.bsky.social and James Baker explain it all ⬇️

VPNs are vital for online safety, but they're now in the firing line. People have turned to them to protect their privacy, rather than splurge their data to unregulated age verification providers following the Online Safety Act. But they have an important role to guard against predators online ⬇️

The over-moderation of content relating to Palestine is a result of the government banning Palestine Action and duties placed on platforms by the Online Safety Act. Our open letter calls on Ofcom to proactively defend the right to free expression. Hear more from ORG's @sarachitseko.bsky.social ⬇️

Blink and you’ll have never seen it in the first place 🫥 Age verification rules in the Online Safety Act are snapping parts of the Internet out of existence. But it’s not what you think (porn)! News on conflicts: GONE. Support for sexual health and smoking: GONE. Watch how censorship works ⬇️

Lights are going out across the Net for UK users. Age verification is driving sites to shut down, geo-block the UK or restrict features and content. In trying to tackle to worst of the Net, it's harming the best. 🗣️ ORG Exec Director, @jim.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy #OnlineSafetyAct

Hey Meta, don't leave us on read 👻 Over 10k people have said no to Stalker Ads, so get them off our feed! This week ORG joined @goodlawproject.bsky.social outside Meta's offices in a joint action with @peoplevsbigtech.bsky.social and @eko.org to ask why they've done nothing 🤷‍♂️ #StopStalkerAds

"At their heart, these technologies infringe human rights." Last week @sianberry.bsky.social tabled an amendment to the UK Crime and Policing Bill that would prohibit the use of dangerous 'crime-predicting' police tech. Sign the petition if you agree ➡️ you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ba...