Open Rights Group

https://social.openrightsgroup.org/@openrightsgroup

We fight for digital rights (UK). Join us.

#privacy #freespeech #surveillance #censorship #dataprotection

Website: https://www.openrightsgroup.org/
Newsletter: https://action.openrightsgroup.org/sign-up-for-org-email-updates
Membership: https://www.openrightsgroup.org/join/

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Last Notes

2026-09-14 13:27:21 CEST

Coming up this week 🔔
It's the first of a series of townhall events delivered by the #SafetyNotSurveillance coalition.
Join us in London to explore how AI and ‘crime-predicting’ technologies are currently being used by the Met.
🗓️ Thurs 17 September
🕕 6-9pm
📍The Liberation Centre, SW9 7QR
Register now ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/events/safety-not-surveillance-london-townhall/
#surveillance #policing #metpolice #ai #precrime #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-11 13:41:02 CEST

“If adults are required to go through an ID check point to disable [nudity scanning] software then millions of people could be faced with either compromising their privacy or having a phone they paid for restricted by blocking software.”
💬 ORG's @npub1cqh…8tnn on the UK government's latest 'online safety' announcement.
https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366649187/Government-to-force-tech-companies-to-verify-age-of-users-to-protect-children
#ageverification #privacy #onlinesafety #surveillance #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-10 16:50:36 CEST

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We can protect kids online without hard-coding surveillance into everyone’s device.
An opt-in mechanism for parents and people who choose to use this tech is a more proportionate response.
The focus should be on educational methods, and specialised policing of sextortion and child abuse offences.
#privacy #surveillance #onlinesafety #ageverification #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-10 16:50:11 CEST

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It won't end with nudes.
Once content-scanning software is on your device, it could be expanded to other categories and into private communications.
An end-to-end encrypted app such as WhatsApp or Signal could be prevented from delivering a message based on an automated assessment of its content.
#privacy #surveillance #onlinesafety #ageverification #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-10 16:49:53 CEST

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Nudity doesn't necessarily mean sexual.
It can be for medical purposes, journalism or artistic expression. Think life drawing, historic documentation like the 'Napalm girl', breast-feeding support or sex education.
Any scanning tech carries risks of false positives and weaponised false negatives.
#privacy #surveillance #onlinesafety #ageverification #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-10 16:49:32 CEST

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Don't believe the hype, we've just had a warning about supposedly ‘safe by design’ tech.
The HMD Fuse child-safety phone was taken off sale after serious security vulnerabilities were discovered.
This includes flaws which could expose a child’s live location and allow protections to be disabled.
https://www.ft.com/content/670b2b1d-7e4c-480e-9ed4-9f7f095d7860?syn-25a6b1a6=1
#privacy #surveillance #onlinesafety #ageverification #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-10 16:49:09 CEST

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Nudity blocking works by scanning ALL your content.
The privacy implications are huge.
And the same goes for the alternative: having to submit your sensitive data in the form of ID uploads or biometric scans to verify you're over 18.
Meanwhile, the age verification industry remains unregulated.
#privacy #surveillance #onlinesafety #ageverification #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-10 16:48:42 CEST

Cover your bits, the UK government wants to put scanning tech on your phone.
The aim? To prevent kids receiving and sending nudes. But it'll be there as default for everyone, unless you go through age verification to disable it.
It's a disproportionate move that'll compromise privacy and security.
Read our blog ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/nudity-scanning-tech-will-leave-us-more-exposed/
#privacy #surveillance #onlinesafety #ageverification #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-07 10:44:06 CEST

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The UK government is putting the interests of Big Tech ahead of the British public in spending billions on AI systems.
They claim it'll create efficiencies.
But there are no effective, coherent and mandatory rules to ensure these systems respect human rights.
We're calling for urgent regulation ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/org-and-mps-call-for-public-sector-use-of-ai-to-be-regulated/
#ai #publicsector #humanrights #bigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-07 10:44:05 CEST

"The [UK] public is being kept in the dark about how systems affect them.
We urgently need AI regulation that puts transparency, accountability and the public interest first, protecting human rights and ensuring AI works for all of us."
ORG's Exec Director, @npub1xqu…6z6j
Read about our new report ⬇️
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/artificial-intelligence-government-use-palantir-ai-b3043351.html
#ai #publicsector #humanrights #bigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-03 15:38:18 CEST

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“With the recent change in government, there is a new opportunity to align digital technology policy with human rights.
The core of such a change should be human rights, lest the illusion of progress persist."
🗣️ Dr Richard Mackenzie-Gray Scott, author of the 'AI in the Public Sector' report.
#ai #publicsector #bigtech #humanrights #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-03 15:38:18 CEST

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Public spending on AI has ballooned in the UK.
There are currently around 1,500 contract worth £3.35B.
Claims that it'll drive efficiencies remain unproven.
In the meantime the UK is tying itself to US companies like Palantir, Amazon, Google, OpenAI and Oracle with risks to our security and resilience.
https://www.tussell.com/insights/ai-procurement-tracker
#ai #publicsector #bigtech #humanrights #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-03 15:38:18 CEST

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There are no effective and coherent mandatory rules to ensure the AI systems that are being knitted into UK public services respect human rights.
The interests of Big Tech are being put first. While data protection, equality, and human rights are on the back-burner.
We urgently need regulation.
#ai #publicsector #bigtech #humanrights #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-03 15:38:17 CEST

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The report finds a damning list of risks from how AI is being developed, procured and deployed across the public sector.
🔴 Lack of scrutiny
🔴 Open to abuse from Big Tech lobbying
🔴 Lock-in to Big Tech contracts that stifle competition
🔴 Lack of transparency over policy
🔴 Lack of judicial oversight
#ai #publicsector #bigtech #humanrights #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-09-03 15:38:17 CEST

AI is seeping into the UK public sector. But at what cost?
Our new report finds that its adoption is opaque, unaccountable and for the benefit of Big Tech, not the public.
This is a rallying cry for the Minister for AI to regulate public sector AI systems in accordance with human rights.
Read more ➡️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/org-and-mps-call-for-public-sector-use-of-ai-to-be-regulated/
#ai #publicsector #bigtech #humanrights #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-27 15:31:53 CEST

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Shadowy attempts to break our right to privacy are completely rejected:
⚫️ Only 12% believe the government should be able to issue secret orders to gain access to private data.
⚫️ 87% believe there should be a legal obligation to tell people if their private conversations have been accessed.
#encryption #e2ee #privacy #cybersecurity #apple #surveillance #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-27 15:31:53 CEST

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Encryption keeps us safe and secure online.
A backdoor is only possible by breaking encryption. And then anybody can abuse that cybersecurity weakness.
The government's last attempt to force Apple to build a backdoor into our accounts failed.
We'll fight the latest order.
Find out more ⬇️
#encryption #e2ee #privacy #cybersecurity #apple #surveillance #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-27 15:31:53 CEST

The UK government is trying yet again to ram a backdoor into Apple's encrypted products.
But you ask the UK public and over 90% say they should have a right to private conversations online.
New polling by the Center for Democracy & Technology makes it clear that attacks on encryption aren't backed by public opinion.
Read more ⬇️
https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366649780/Public-wary-of-UK-government-backdoor-surveillance-following-Apple-row-poll-reveals
#encryption #e2ee #privacy #cybersecurity #apple #surveillance #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-26 16:35:54 CEST

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So Reform UK bins GDPR. What then?
Farage suggests aligning the UK to the New Zealand Privacy Act.
And yet New Zealand have spent the last decade trying to align with the gold standard of the GDPR...
What other people crave, in the UK we already have it. But Nigel Farage would take it away.
#dataprotection #gdpr #privacy #reformuk #farage #ukpolitics ukpol

2026-08-26 16:35:54 CEST

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Scrapping the GDPR in the UK would meanss siding with those who want to hide abuse and discrimination behind an algorithm.
Siding with the Trump administration, and against the interests of the British public.
And with rogue companies and Big Tech over responsible and law-abiding businesses.
It's a no, Nigel.
#dataprotection #gdpr #privacy #reformuk #farage #ukpolitics ukpol

2026-08-26 16:35:54 CEST

Farage proposes to scrap GDPR in the UK... where to start?
GDPR protects women, workers, patients, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and everybody else from discrimination and abuse.
Scrapping it would be a capitulation to abusive Big Tech corporations and the Trump administration that backs them.
https://www.politico.eu/article/nigel-farage-wants-to-scrap-gdpr-for-the-uk/
#dataprotection #gdpr #privacy #reformuk #farage #ukpolitics ukpol

2026-08-26 10:11:13 CEST

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Our townhall events come as the use of AI tools in UK policing escalates dramatically.
The coalition calls for an end to so-called “predictive” policing with legislation that protects our rights.
There must be safeguards against the harms of AI and tech uses in policing and immigration settings.
We fight for a society where surveillance and digital policing isn't heralded as the answer to social and economic problems.
#surveillance #policing #precrime

2026-08-26 10:10:15 CEST

Coming up, the #SafetyNotSurveillance coalition is holding townhall events across the country.
Join us to explore how AI and ‘crime-predicting’ tech is being used by local police forces. And what can be done about it.
⚫ London – 17 September
⚫ Manchester – 24 September
⚫ Bristol – 1 October
Book now ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/safety-not-surveillance-townhall/
#surveillance #policing #precrime #facialrecognition #ai #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-25 10:30:13 CEST

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The eVisa scheme has been a disaster from the start.
It's people's lives that are being left in disarray and uncertainty while these failings go ignored.
We're now calling on the Select Committee to investigate and help those whose data has been created as a result of the scheme.
Read more ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/civil-society-organisations-call-for-ico-to-be-investigated-over-evisas/
#evisa #migrants #dataprotection #gdpr #immigration #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-25 10:30:12 CEST

The flawed UK eVisa scheme strikes again.
Not for the first time, a person's data has been incorrectly linked to someone else's account.
Last year, ORG and 18 other groups called on the ICO to investigate the data breaches and accessibility issues with the eVisa scheme.
But they've done nothing.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/24/woman-stranded-spain-uk-evisa-system-mistakes-twin-sister
#evisa #migrants #dataprotection #gdpr #immigration #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-20 13:40:29 CEST

Nottinghamshire Police could target children for anti-social behaviour using their intrusive and discriminatory face-scanning tech.
We've joined Big Brother Watch and leading rights groups to tell the force to #StopFacialRecognition.
Live facial recognition puts ALL our rights and freedoms at risk.
Adding children – some as young as 11 years old – and subjecting them to biometric ID checks is unacceptable.
Read the letter ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/app/uploads/2026/08/Letter-to-Nottinghamshire-Police-on-LFR_Aug-2026.pdf
#surveillance #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/117/127/644/957/333/793/original/f56d63b7d96af6c2.jpeg

2026-08-15 13:21:58 CEST

Young people have their say: rethink the UK social media ban.
It makes a bad situation worse. Teens are just being pushed into unregulated spaces.
A ban does nothing to actually tackle the cause of online harms coming from the business model of the platforms themselves.
That’s what we need to fix.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/prime-minister-burnham-uk-government-scotland-keir-starmer-b3031838.html
#socialmediaban #ageverification #bigtech #onlinesafety #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-13 09:58:16 CEST

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Beyond the headlines figures, there's little transparency over the extent of surveillance that those referred into Prevent will face.
Being neither wholly owned by policing or by counter-terrorism, there appears to be no oversight or parliamentary scrutiny of data sharing, processing and storage.
#prevent #surveillance #dataprotection #precrime #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-13 09:58:16 CEST

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Prevent is meant to identify people at risk of radicalisation before any crime has been committed.
But over 50% of referrals fall under 'no fixed ideology'.
And governments have added more categories into the mix, bloating the system with referrals that don't belong under a counter-terrorism lens.
#prevent #surveillance #dataprotection #precrime #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-13 09:58:16 CEST

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Prevent is expanding the surveillance state at an unruly rate.
Public sector workers shouldn't be co-opted as agents of counter-terror policing. People in need of support shouldn't be stigmatised as suspect.
We need real investment in education, community health services and local infrastructure.
#prevent #surveillance #dataprotection #precrime #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-13 09:58:15 CEST

Prevent referrals have shot up by ~40% in England and Wales 📈
Kids, teens and vulnerable people are being pushed into a mass surveillance programme where 80% of referrals don't go anywhere. But their data remains in the system.
It’s clear that a programme designed for counter-terrorism has lost the plot.
Read our latest blog ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/rising-prevent-referrals-and-the-runaway-train-of-mass-surveillance/
#prevent #surveillance #dataprotection #precrime #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-13 09:58:15 CEST

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Under 18s make up the majority of referrals into Prevent.
Over a third are people with mental health conditions and people who are neurodivergent.
Often referrals are made to fast track people to get support. Long-term surveillance is the trade off.
Prevent is the wrong answer.
#prevent #surveillance #dataprotection #precrime #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-06 18:53:04 CEST

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The Prevent Duty has transformed trusted public sector workers into agents of counter-terror policing.
And those in need of support into subjects of suspicion.
Community safety demands real investment in education, community services and local infrastructure to support often young and vulnerable people – not to stigmatise and surveil them.
#prevent #surveillance #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-08-06 18:53:03 CEST

Prevent referrals rocketed by almost 40% last year in England and Wales 🚨
Of those referred into this counter-terrorism programme, the majority were under 18. Almost 400 were children under 10!
More than a third have a mental health condition or are neurodiverse.
This is a huge expansion of the surveillance state.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3r072j10zlo
#prevent #surveillance #policing #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-29 12:22:20 CEST

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ORG's legal opinion shows that the Home Office's use of AI tools to summarise interviews and key documents in asylum decision-making is likely unlawful.
The lack of transparency means that unlawful or unfair decisions may result from AI hallucinations and errors in rewriting critical information.
Find out more ⬇️
#ai #asylum #immigration #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-29 12:22:20 CEST

The use of AI in UK asylum decision-making is a disaster.
AI hallucinated a document that led to an asylum application being denied.
Applicants aren't being informed that opaque AI tools are being used in their case, nor being given the opportunity to correct errors churned out by these opaque tools.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/28/home-office-used-ai-hallucinated-information-to-refuse-asylum-claim-judge-suggests
#ai #asylum #immigration #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-20 12:57:05 CEST

A new UK Prime Minister is a fresh opportunity to stand up to Big Tech.
We must break the excessive power that a handful of US-based companies have over our lives.
We've joined with partner organisations to end this dependency and unlock British innovation.
Read the joint letter ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/app/uploads/2026/07/Letter-to-Prime-Minister-Andy-Burnham.pdf
#burnham #bigtech #ai #digitalsovereignty #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/951/942/715/081/464/original/7261ee306188ca54.png
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/951/942/714/109/955/original/65277095358f2991.png

2026-07-19 13:33:02 CEST

Is it bye bye bye for UK Digital ID?
As ORG’s @npub1xqu…6z6j said, this scheme would risk “creating a digital surveillance infrastructure that will change everyone’s daily lives.”
Another authoritarian assault on our rights could hit the shredder as Burnham heads to No.10.
We’ll wait and see…
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/18/burnham-to-scrap-starmers-digital-id-scheme-in-reset-of-priorities
#digitalid #surveillance #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-17 10:15:08 CEST

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The ICO needs an overhaul of its regulatory and enforcement posture.
The UK government has an opportunity to restore effective oversight of data protection rule.
It's essential for trustworthy public sector delivery, innovation that benefits workers, and a digital economy that works for the public.
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/934/318/883/049/855/original/c13ca78581f8349d.png

2026-07-17 10:15:08 CEST

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The meltdown of the UK data regulator's leadership underscores the need to restore integrity at the top.
This starts with an end to the revolving door of senior staff working for the industries or companies that they were meant to police.
Establishing proper boundaries against corporate influence is necessary.
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-17 10:15:08 CEST

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Data protection is key to regulate AI and promote online safety, child protection workers’ rights and public service delivery.
Without proper regulation and policing of data practices, harms ensue, public trust erodes and markets fail.
That's why we need a UK data regulator with teeth.
Sign and share the petition ⬇️
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/reset-ico
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-17 10:15:07 CEST

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Despite recognising that automated systems expose workers to heightened risks of discrimination and wage-theft, the ICO has taken no enforcement action.
The outgoing Commissioner even backed down to let UK data protection reforms gut our right not to be subject to solely automated decision-making.
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-17 10:15:07 CEST

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Lacking proper arms-length from the UK government, the ICO hasn't properly supervised public bodies, allowing data malpractices to spread.
This is clear in the failure to take action over the MoD's Afghan data breach, the Home Office's flawed eVisa scheme and HMRC's unjust crackdown on child benefits.
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-17 10:15:07 CEST

Is the UK data regulator is without a head. But its problems run deeper 🚧
The ICO has taken its hands off the wheel by failing to enforce data protection law for a long time.
As the search for a new Commissioner gets underway, the ICO needs a fundamental reset that puts our rights first.
Read our blog ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/wanted-government-to-fix-the-ico/
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-17 10:15:07 CEST

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The ICO has actively pushed for age verification measures in the UK at the expense of privacy.
This fails to address the repurposing of personal data from age checks for targeted online advertising.
In turn, advertising data is used to drive up engagement, exploit addictions and target harmful content.
#ico #dataprotection #privacy #gdpr #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-16 14:21:30 CEST

TODAY ⏰️
We've partnered with @npub1fhv…m889 and other groups in a special event.
The expert panel, including ORG's @npub1cqh…8tnn, will explore how governments are shaping age assurance laws, the role of platforms and the risks to our rights and the open Internet.
Watch live from 3pm BST ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/live/euSkCvhzweQ
#ageverification #privacy #onlinesafety #digitalrights #politics

2026-07-16 11:37:37 CEST

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The recording of the event is now live: https://peertube.openrightsgroup.org/w/vCymXic7CWUNXgY5iXMY99

2026-07-16 11:35:09 CEST

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Public money should be spent on public code that benefits us all.
Our report shows the benefits of shifting from a one way dependence on US tech giants to shared technology.
We need a Digital Sovereignty strategy based on Open Source systems, open standards and open hardware.
Read the report ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/new-report-uk-needs-digital-sovereignty-strategy-to-address-threats-from-reliance-on-big-tech/
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #bigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-16 11:35:08 CEST

Yesterday we hosted an event on how the UK can build Digital Sovereignty.
Our panel explored open source and the Digital Commons in creating a more resilient, transparent and equitable future.
Catch up on the event with @npub1xqu…6z6j, [@megafreda.eurosky.social](https://bsky.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/megafreda.eurosky.social ) and @npub1fzh…p7r7.
Watch now ⬇️
https://peertube.openrightsgroup.org/w/vCymXic7CWUNXgY5iXMY99
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #bigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-16 10:15:03 CEST

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The Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee must ensure data protection is taken seriously by the UK Home Office and upheld by the ICO.
With the position of Information Commissioner now vacant, MPs must push government to deliver a regulator with teeth.
Sign our petition #ResetTheICO ⬇️
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/reset-ico
#ico #evisa #homeoffice #dataprotection #gdpr #migrants #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-16 10:15:03 CEST

Last week we sent a letter signed by 20 organisations calling for an investigation into the UK data regulator for failings over the eVisa scheme.
Despite issues with the scheme being raised from the start, the ICO hasn't taken action against the UK Home Office to protect migrants' data rights.
We need answers.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/evisa-digital-data-regulator-ico-home-office-b3006643.html
#ico #evisa #homeoffice #dataprotection #gdpr #migrants #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-15 13:19:53 CEST

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VPNs are key to cybersecurity.
They keep young people safe online. Remote working possible. Journalists, activists and whistleblowers protected. Public WiFi use secure.
But, parents should talk to children about VPNs and ensure they use a reputable company that protects data.
Find out more ⬇️
https://social.openrightsgroup.org/@openrightsgroup/116776718285610543
#vpn #cybersecurity #privacy #onlinesafety #ukpolitics #ukpol
#note108r…jef0

2026-07-15 13:18:42 CEST

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Independent research commissioned by the UK Department for Science Innovation and Technology concluded that privacy is the driver behind VPN use, as ORG has long pointed out.
Just 7-10% of all British children using a VPN do so to access restricted platforms.
Suggestions that VPNs should be restricted to prop up a social media ban are wrong.
https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/no-its-not-age-verification-privacy-is-the-top-reason-uk-children-use-a-vpn
#vpn #cybersecurity #privacy #onlinesafety #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-15 13:17:38 CEST

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The decision to row back on threats to VPN use in the UK comes after ORG and over 20 organisations issued a joint letter yesterday.
We warned that requiring users to go through age checks or other restrictions “would undercut the security and privacy of millions, without making children safer.”
https://www.theregister.com/networks/2026/07/14/hands-off-our-vpns-privacy-groups-tell-uk-ministers/5271070
#vpn #cybersecurity #privacy #onlinesafety #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-15 13:15:43 CEST

VPNs are safe... for now 🛡️
The UK government has backed down on restricting this vital cybersecurity tool.
Alongside the announcement of a social media curfew for 16 and 17 year olds comes a win for privacy!
Plans to age-gate or restrict VPNs have been dropped, but we're not complacent to future risks.
We'll continue fighting to protect VPNs.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/14/uk-16-17-year-olds-midnight-social-media-curfew
#vpn #cybersecurity #privacy #onlinesafety #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-15 10:15:05 CEST

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We must end the UK's digital subservience to US tech.
It has put the systems that underpin our public services and the State at risk of digital ransom from US powers of service withdrawal or data extraction.
We need a Digital Sovereignty strategy based on open source.
Sign the petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #bigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-15 10:15:05 CEST

UK digital sovereignty, if done right, could ensure we have a thriving software ecosystem.
Ecological digital sovereignty is where digital systems are diverse, interoperable, locally adaptable, and not controlled by any single point of power.
ORG’s @npub1cqh…8tnn writes for Green Isles ⬇️
https://www.greenisles.uk/ecological-digital-sovereignty-monocultures-to-ecosystems/#digtialsovereignty
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #bigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-14 16:09:03 CEST

Coming up on Thursday, we've partnered with @npub1fhv…m889 for a discussion on age assurance.
Find out what the global push for social media bans and age assurance systems means for our rights from an expert panel.
🗓️ 16 July
🕧️ 3-4:30pm BST
💻️ Online
Register ➡️ https://form.sflc.in/what-age-assurance-means-for-the-future-of-digital-rights-online-safety-and-the-internet-at-large/
#ageverification #socialmediaban #privacy #StopKillingTheInternet #politics
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/918/723/682/370/761/original/1929956cacd6de6f.png

2026-07-14 12:56:53 CEST

TOMORROW ⏰️
We're hosting a special event on UK Digital Sovereignty.
We'll explore how the UK can build back control over our digital infrastructure, data and tech with open source.
Hear from @npub1xqu…6z6j, @npub15nv…2whc and @npub1fzh…p7r7.
🗓️ 15 July
🕧️ 6-8pm BST
💻️ Online
Register now ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/events/from-digital-dependence-to-digital-sovereignty/
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-14 11:03:03 CEST

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VPNs aren’t just for privacy.
They’re essential cybersecurity tools that protect our personal data, help people to work or study remotely, and defend against cyber threats.
Restricting them makes everyone less safe – including children.
Sign and share the petition to protect VPN use in the UK ➡️ https://action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-government-protect-vpn-use-uk
#SafeAndSecure #ProtectVPNs #vpn #cybersecurity #onlinesafety #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-14 11:03:03 CEST

Today we’ve joined over 20 organisations to urge the UK Government to protect children online without making the internet less secure by restricting VPNs.
Child safety and security aren’t competing objectives – we need both.
Read our letter ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/joint-letter-protect-vpns/
#SafeAndSecure #ProtectVPNs #vpn #cybersecurity #onlinesafety #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/917/520/375/380/651/original/d8acfa1153c80552.png
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/917/520/366/356/642/original/0faa16d3e44ff34e.png

2026-07-13 12:51:46 CEST

"Entrenching a climate of surveillance across public life."
"People’s faces being scanned without consent and being added to lists is worrying enough, but the speed which Facewatch technology now makes it possible for someone to encounter the police force in the middle of their daily shop is a really dangerous escalation."
🗣️ Sarah Lasoye for ORG.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/10/facewatch-facial-recognition-uk-shops-instantly-alerts-police-civil-liberties
#facialrecognition #surveillance #policing #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-08 10:15:04 CEST

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These failings are not just in relation to the UK eVisa scheme, but a wider issue with the ICO’s poor track record on enforcement.
The letter calls on the Committee to investigate what institutional changes are needed to strengthen the ICO's ability to oversee the government and other public bodies.
#dataprotection #evisa #ico #gdpr #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-08 10:15:04 CEST

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This comes after John Edwards’ resignation as Information Commissioner last week.
ORG calls on the UK government to appoint a regulator with teeth.
We must reset the regulators’ approach of providing data protection in name only and have them actually enforce our data rights.
Sign our petition ⬇️
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/reset-ico
#dataprotection #evisa #ico #gdpr #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-08 10:15:03 CEST

NEW: 20 civil society organisations have called for an investigation into the UK Information Commissioner's Office for failing to uphold data protection law in relation to eVisas.
This scheme has been plagued with breaches and accessibility issues.
And the ICO has done nothing to hold the UK Home Office to account.
Find out more ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/civil-society-organisations-call-for-ico-to-be-investigated-over-evisas/
#dataprotection #evisa #ico #gdpr #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-08 10:15:03 CEST

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In an FOI response, the ICO did reveal that they'd received 851 complaints about the UK Home Office as a whole between 2023 and 2025.
The volume of complaints was so significant, the ICO was unable to identify how many were about the eVisa scheme specifically.
The Select Committee must investigate.
#dataprotection #evisa #ico #gdpr #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-08 10:15:03 CEST

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Last year, ORG and 18 other civil society organisations called on the ICO to investigate breaches resulting from the UK eVisa scheme.
Seven months later, the ICO hasn't taken any action to address these infringements of data protection law.
Meanwhile, migrants continue to have their lives affected.
#dataprotection #evisa #ico #gdpr #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-08 10:15:03 CEST

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The UK Home Office has known about problems with the eVisa scheme from the start.
Its poor design and lack of Data Protection Impact Assessment has resulted in breaches.
But the Home Office is still failing to be transparent about the volume of complaints and how and when they will deal with them.
#dataprotection #evisa #ico #gdpr #migrants #homeoffice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-06 21:32:31 CEST

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Thank you for your support 🚀

2026-07-06 14:12:17 CEST

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Digital sovereignty isn’t simply about ‘buying British’.
It's about ensuring the UK has real control over the digital infrastructure, standards, data and supply chains that underpin our economy and democracy.
This can come from making our systems open source and removing the threat of foreign interference.
Sign the petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-06 14:11:15 CEST

Could UK be moving towards Digital Sovereignty?
We welcome Burnham recognising this as an issue in the potential revamp to the UK’s AI strategy.
This is an area where he could deliver real economic benefits for the UK and security for our critical infrastructure by moving away from US Big Tech.
https://www.ft.com/content/5f2fce3c-7ae7-48e6-9d95-5ad7f49328df?syn-25a6b1a6=1
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #bigtech #opensource #burnham #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-03 13:49:55 CEST

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and DCMS have binned off the cesspit formally known as Twitter 🚮
We can tackle the concentrated power of social media giants by backing federated platforms like BlueSky and Mastodon.
UK politicians and government bodies should join, so people aren’t forced to use X or Meta to get updates.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyrx1ee2r4o
#x #socialmedia #mastodon #fediverse #ukpolitics #lisanandy #ukpol

2026-07-03 12:09:32 CEST

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Handing out contracts to Big Tech platforms is a rip off.
If we don't like the over-charging, tax-dodging and exporting profits overseas, we face the nightmare of vendor lock-in.
They own the software, so love it or lose it.
We call for Digital Sovereignty to turn the tide.
Sign and share ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #nhs #palantir #bigtech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-03 12:08:50 CEST

Burnham could hoof Palantir out of the NHS if he becomes PM.
A good start, but he needs to go further. It’s time to completely break our dependency on US tech firms.
With open source tech, we don't have to start again with a new platform when changing vendors.
Go big, go for UK Digital Sovereignty!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/02/burnham-set-to-ditch-palantir-from-nhs/
#digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #nhs #burnham #palantir #bigtech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-02 14:27:52 CEST

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The UK must ditch the failed path of technological dependency on the US.
With this knock-out blow for US data transfers, having US Big Tech companies like Palantir running our critical infrastructure will fast become unworkable.
The need for UK Digital Sovereignty is clear.
Sign the petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#dataprotection #gdpr #eu #privacy #digitalsovereignty #uspolitics #ukpolitics #ukpol #trump

2026-07-02 14:27:28 CEST

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UK data transfers with the US come under an extension of the EU-US framework.
The UK's new data protection law allows personal data transfers to countries without independent or judicial oversight of data protection rules.
But this would likely screw the EU-UK adequacy agreement, costing billions.
https://neweconomics.org/2020/11/the-cost-of-data-inadequacy
#dataprotection #gdpr #eu #privacy #digitalsovereignty #uspolitics #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-02 14:27:12 CEST

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The US Supreme Court has undermined the oversight of data protection standards by letting Trump gut independent federal agencies.
It's a death warrant for the workability of the EU-US framework.
As Max Schrems points out, the invalidation of the US adequacy decision is not a matter of if but when.
https://noyb.eu/en/us-supreme-court-just-blew-eu-us-data-transfers
#dataprotection #gdpr #eu #privacy #digitalsovereignty #uspolitics #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-02 14:26:52 CEST

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Data transfers to the US have been the centre of controversy for decades.
It concerned the protection of personal data from US mass surveillance programmes.
That's why the EU-US framework requires oversight to be independent in order to protect the agencies' ability to enforce legal standards.
#dataprotection #gdpr #eu #privacy #digitalsovereignty #uspolitics #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/850/373/432/247/115/original/66e33e3176207b4f.png

2026-07-02 14:25:59 CEST

Trouble ahead for US data transfers 🧨
The US Supreme Court has overturned precedent that Presidents can't remove heads of independent agencies at will.
They've taken a sledgehammer to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework on which the UK also depends.
Read how it makes the free flow of data unlawful ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-end-is-nigh-for-us-data-transfers/
#dataprotection #gdpr #eu #privacy #digitalsovereignty #uspolitics #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-07-02 10:08:00 CEST

What is life after Palantir?
Join our special event on how the UK can build back control over our digital infrastructure, data and tech with open source.
Hear from @npub1xqu…6z6j, @npub15nv…2whc and @npub1fzh…p7r7 discuss Digital Sovereignty.
🗓️ 15 July
🕧️ 6-8pm BST
💻️ Online
Register now ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/events/from-digital-dependence-to-digital-sovereignty/
#DigitalSovereignty #techsovereignty #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol #event

2026-06-27 16:39:07 CEST

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The UK needs to follow governments across Europe that are pursuing digital sovereignty.
End the failed model of farming out our critical digital infrastructure to US Big Tech.
That means an end to vendor lock-in that rips us off and exposes our systems to foreign interference.
Sign our petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#palantir #digitalsovereignty #metpolice #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-27 16:37:33 CEST

😖
Rowing back on the decision to block Palantir from the Met Police is the wrong move.
Palantir should have no place in the UK's digital systems, whether it’s policing, the NHS or defence.
We must completely break our dependency on US tech firms, especially a company powering ICE and war crimes in Gaza.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/21/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-blocks-met-police-deal-with-palantir
#palantir #metpolice #sadiqkhan #digitalsovereignty #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-26 14:30:32 CEST

Free expression is a human right. This includes the right to receive and impart information.
Children have this right too.
As Scotland's Children's Commissioner said, the social media ban “would not currently be a proportionate, effective, or enforceable way to protect children's rights".
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/scotland-childrens-commissioner-hits-starmer-092635827.html
#socialmediaban #socialmedia #censorship #freeexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-26 10:30:06 CEST

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The recent legal opinion for ORG found that the use of AI in asylum decision-making is likely unlawful.
Asylum applicants aren't told that AI is being used in their applications. So they can't challenge or correct errors.
Tell your MP that the use of AI in the UK asylum system should be banned ⬇️
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/ban-ai-tools-asylum-decision-making
#ai #asylum #homeoffice #immigration #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-26 10:30:06 CEST

The use of AI in asylum decisions is meant to save time and money, according to the UK Home Office. But it's likely the opposite.
More haste means lower morale and lesser quality. This pushes more decisions into appeal and up go the costs.
ORG's @npub1xqu…6z6j explores the current doom-loop ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/how-ai-in-asylum-decision-making-drives-failure-and-cost/
#ai #asylum #homeoffice #immigration #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-25 17:29:01 CEST

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Tech that supposedly 'predicts' crime is using sensitive personal data of hundreds of thousands of people without transparency.
It amplifies biases, as it's fed on data that reflects historic discriminatory police practices. And it undermines the crucial right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
That's why we're calling for a BAN on its use in the UK.
Sign the petition today ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ban-crime-predicting-police-tech
#predictivepolicing #ai #policing #police #precrime #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-25 17:29:01 CEST

UK police forces are increasingly using so-called 'predictive' tech.
Wired's investigation reveals how algorithms used by Avon and Somerset Police scored people by their 'risk' of offending from multiple databases of sensitive information.
These models have been plagued with inaccuracy and 'poor predictive performance'.
https://www.wired.com/story/british-police-built-a-sprawling-crime-prediction-machine-some-results-couldnt-be-trusted/
#predictivepolicing #ai #policing #police #precrime #ukpolitics #ukpol #surveillance

2026-06-25 14:02:49 CEST

The Met Police have announced a major expansion of facial recognition in London.
The use of this flawed and discriminatory tech still lacks oversight, putting our rights on the back foot.
We should be able to walk down the street with a full expectation of privacy and not being ID’d at every step.
https://www.channel4.com/news/met-police-to-expand-use-of-drones-facial-recognition-and-ai-despite-concerns
#facialrecogntion #police #metpolice #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-25 09:47:59 CEST

Social media bans don't work. They just make things worse.
In Australia, for those teens who haven't bypassed the restrictions, their access to news has been curtailed.
How does this square with giving votes to 16 year olds? Children have rights to free expression too.
ORG's @npub1cqh…8tnn explains.
https://peertube.openrightsgroup.org/w/crfbePPnNhcKMPQZts5urk
#socialmediaban #socialmedia #censorship #freeexpression #humanrights #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/809/640/425/125/317/original/9afe729dc6bda92c.mp4

2026-06-24 11:52:49 CEST

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There's no doubt that changes to digital policy and economics are difficult.
However they are fundamental in the current political situation.
Under new leadership, the UK government must take this chance to change course for the better.
Become a member to support ORG ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/join/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/761/925/560/original/f60492afc684769c.png

2026-06-24 11:52:49 CEST

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8️⃣ Transparency in public policy.
Critically, we need to know what the UK government is thinking to engage constructively with them and deliver better policy outcomes.
Read our blog on how systems thinking in social media policy can address online harms.
➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-social-media-policy-ratchet/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/722/548/375/original/36c70d1a4279712d.png

2026-06-24 11:52:49 CEST

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7️⃣ Change the online safety approach.
UK policies have targeted users and left the business model of social media platforms that generate online harms untouched.
With digital ID checks and the social media ban, our privacy and free expression rights have taken the brunt.
Break Big Tech instead.
Find out more ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/stop-state-censorship-of-online-speech/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #onlinesafety #socialmediaban #ageverification
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/702/657/268/original/7fff31573efef7df.png

2026-06-24 11:52:48 CEST

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5️⃣ Roll back the digital hostile environment.
The UK Home Office is deploying flawed and biased tech with little transparency for migrants and refugees.
ORG has called for a ban on the use of AI in asylum decisions, plus facial age estimation tech and the roll-out of the error-prone eVisa scheme.
Find out more ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/immigration-policy-project/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #immigration #ai #evisa #homeoffice
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/728/920/497/original/ac2729f3644148a3.png

2026-06-24 11:52:48 CEST

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4️⃣ Regulate AI and ban predictive policing.
Despite being in the UK Labour manifesto, the Starmer government has failed to regulate AI.
AI is increasingly used in benefits, policing and borders, government and society.
But they cause real harms to real people in the name of alleged efficiency.
Find out more ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/resist-pre-crime/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #ai
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/702/348/255/original/4de5e6a931e10e39.png

2026-06-24 11:52:48 CEST

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6️⃣ Ditch Digital ID.
The UK government's will-they won't-they digital ID scheme is a solution in search of a problem.
What it will create is a digital surveillance infrastructure that'll expand into more and more areas of life and further marginalise people.
It needs to be ditched for good.
Find out more ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/say-no-to-digital-id/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #digitalid
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2026-06-24 11:52:47 CEST

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2️⃣ Reset UK Digital Sovereignty.
This means having control over our critical tech, national infrastructure and digital policy-making.
By ridding ourselves of US tech giants like Palantir and using open source for our systems, we can have greater independence and more competition in UK tech.
Find out more ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/demand-uk-digital-sovereignty/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #digitalsovereignty #techsovereignty #palantir
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/678/213/537/original/517352eec229833c.png

2026-06-24 11:52:47 CEST

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1️⃣ Reset the UK digital economy.
From Capgemini and Fujitsu to AWS and Microsoft, Big Tech has gouged the UK out of millions for their services. Not to mention tax evasion.
Ending this rip-off and building the UK tech sector through open source will avoid depleting the UK State and economy.
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #opensource #bigtech
https://files.social.openrightsgroup.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/804/469/669/381/922/original/2bddac6735236666.png

2026-06-24 11:52:47 CEST

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3️⃣ Reset the regulators.
The UK government has hobbled the data regulator and the Competition and Markets Authority, pushing them to go easy on market abuse.
This has resulted in a failure to take action when our rights are harmed and has failed to act in the interest of UK businesses.
Find out more ➡️ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/reset-the-ico/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #ico #cma #competition #dataprotection
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2026-06-24 11:52:46 CEST

What's next after Starmer?
A new leader means a new approach to UK digital policy is possible. No, essential.
With Andy Burnham all but certain to step into Number 10, we've set out what needs to be reset for the benefit of our rights, our democracy and our economy.
Read our advice 🧵
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/dear-andy-we-need-a-complete-reset-on-digital-policy/
#andyburnham #labour #digitalpolicy #digitalrights #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol

2026-06-23 14:03:03 CEST

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Social media can offer community for those who don't have support from their families or other sources.
Plus, digital ID checks carry real risks that personal information could be compromised and harm LGBTQ+ people in vulnerable situations.
We say tackle the root cause of online harms instead of banning under 16s from social media in the UK.
Sign the petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/break-big-tech
#socialmediaban #lgbt #lgbtqia #freeexpression #censorship #ukpolitics #ukpol