I run an instance of Immich, a photo server. Sandra and I both upload our photos to it. Immich has a "This day on previous years" feature. Is that "algorithmic content"?

I run an instance of Jellyfin, a media server. Sandra and I can both upload music, films etc. to it. When I watch one TV episode, it shows me the next ones in the series. Is that "algorithmic content"?

I run an instance of Mastodon, as social media server. I can see other people's posts. Other people can see mine, poor things. There is a setting "Do you want other people to see you in their follow recommendations?". Is this "algorithmic content"?

I run an instance of apache2, a web server. It hosts my blog. At the bottom of each blog post, there is a computer-generated list of "Related Posts". Is this "algorithmic content"? (Is this even a "social media platform"?)

#OnlineSafetyAct

New blogpost:

"Initial thoughts on the Social Media Platforms (Ofcom Licensing) Bill"

I try to think the best of people and their intentions, so this might be just one big mistake, but honestly, wow...

I cannot imagine someone attempting, with a straight face, to impose strict criminal liability on cafe and pub owners, for what their customers say.

https://neilzone.co.uk/2026/09/initial-thoughts-on-the-social-media-platforms-ofcom-licensing-bill/

#OnlineSafetyAct #lawfedi #blog

OSA has destroyed countless well-run small independent forums and gathering spaces, had zero effect on the most flagrant abuse (which it was sold as fixing).. and now a survey of kids says it made absolutely no difference.

https://www.theregister.com/security/2026/09/03/uks-online-safety-act-has-made-absolutely-no-difference-kids-say/5293893

Gee, who could possibly have predicted this?

#onlineSafetyAct

I don't feel any safer because of the #OnlineSafetyAct, but it has caused me to reach for Tor Browser for a fair few sites when, before, I did not need to do so.

To access stuff which is perfectly legal in the UK.

*sigh*

This time last year, I wrote about the significant harms of the #OnlineSafetyAct. Depressing that things have got far worse since then.

https://www.girlonthenet.com/blog/age-verification-whats-the-harm/

Hopefully @openrightsgroup will be submitting evidence? @JamesBaker #OnlineSafetyAct

So... after almost a decade of failure in the online regulation space, perhaps some legislative navel gazing is finally about to take place...

I encourage every single person negatively affected by the #OnlineSafetyAct to submit evidence here:

https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9955/the-online-safety-act-implementation-and-impact/news/217266/online-safety-act-inquiry-launched-by-committee/

If your freedom of expression, security or privacy has been curtailed in any way, however minor, submit evidence.

That includes people who have been forced to submit data to unregulated third party age verification processors.

That includes people who have had to remove content from their blog or website for fear of censorship and legal harassment by Ofcom - an unelected quango.

That includes people who have felt that their speech or artistic expression has been limited.

I will be submitting evidence as a website/service operator.

#OnlineSafetyAct

I’ve sent the admin an email to see if they would consider unblocking just the apis needed for federation. I’m not holding out much hope though.

Cc @neil@mastodon.neilzone.co.uk