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Cablespaghetti's personal snac instance
Admin email
sam@cablespaghetti.dev
Admin account
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Search results for tag #onlinesafetyact

Chewie boosted

[?]petersuber » 🌐
@petersuber@fediscience.org

just dodged a bullet in the UK but is still in danger.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedi

The bullet was the possibility Category 1 classification under the UK Online Safety Act. It was spared that classification but remains on a "watch list" of platforms that "could become Category 1 at any point in the future."

If Wikipedia is later classified as Category 1, then either (1) contributors could no longer be pseudonymous or (2) Wikipedia would be subject to severe penalties under UK law.

How severe? The maximum penalty could include a fine up to £18 million, a UK-wide denial of access, and personal criminal liability for senior managers.

    Mike Cox boosted

    [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
    @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

    VPNs can help protect children's security online too. They aren’t just used to avoid content blocks.

    Restrictions will deter people from using a core cybersecurity tool and create greater risks.

    Privacy is online safety ✊️

    Sign the petition to in the UK ➡️ action.openrightsgroup.org/tel

    Image of a mobile phone held in a pair of hands with the thumbs over the screen with a neon effects in blue and purple. Text: Sign the petition – Protect VPN use in the UK. https://action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-government-protect-vpn-use-uk

    Alt...Image of a mobile phone held in a pair of hands with the thumbs over the screen with a neon effects in blue and purple. Text: Sign the petition – Protect VPN use in the UK. https://action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-government-protect-vpn-use-uk

      Kestral boosted

      [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
      @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

      The only way to create an ironclad age verification system in the UK is extreme digital authoritarianism.

      Restrictions on VPNs are an attack on the open Internet and our ability to be secure online – the antithesis of online safety.

      Read our briefing ➡️ openrightsgroup.org/publicatio

      The only way to restrict VPNs is authoritarian. Trying to ban or age-gate VPNs because they might be used to bypass digital ID age checks would be as unworkable as banning web browsers because they allow access to adult content. Attempts to have a perfect age verification system that no-one can get around would involve an extreme level of digital authoritarianism. To comprehensively prevent circumvention of age checks, a State would need to remove the ability of users to install and use software on their computer and try to prevent the Internet from providing open connectivity. The government must not blow up our cybersecurity and the open Internet with technologically illiterate and authoritarian attacks on VPN use.

      Alt...The only way to restrict VPNs is authoritarian. Trying to ban or age-gate VPNs because they might be used to bypass digital ID age checks would be as unworkable as banning web browsers because they allow access to adult content. Attempts to have a perfect age verification system that no-one can get around would involve an extreme level of digital authoritarianism. To comprehensively prevent circumvention of age checks, a State would need to remove the ability of users to install and use software on their computer and try to prevent the Internet from providing open connectivity. The government must not blow up our cybersecurity and the open Internet with technologically illiterate and authoritarian attacks on VPN use.

        Mike Cox boosted

        [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
        @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

        Aside from restrictions, it's been suggested that sites should detect VPN use and bounce users into age verification.

        This would be technically flawed, privacy-invasive and would exclude lawful Internet users because VPN traffic can look identical to ordinary encrypted web traffic.

        Read our briefing ➡️ openrightsgroup.org/publicatio

        Requiring sites to detect VPNs won't work. The Age Verification Providers Association propose that sites age-gating content should detect VPN use and direct it to their services. Technical infeasibility – Detection relies on blacklists of commercial VPN servers, which are incomplete and easily outpaced by new services. False positives and exclusion – It would prevent law-abiding users, such as remote workers, people in high-risk environments, or families securing their Internet connection from getting online. Privacy risks – This would require intrusive traffic analysis, undermining privacy and data protection. Creating diplomatic rows – Users in countries that don't have age restrictions would also be caught up in it.

        Alt...Requiring sites to detect VPNs won't work. The Age Verification Providers Association propose that sites age-gating content should detect VPN use and direct it to their services. Technical infeasibility – Detection relies on blacklists of commercial VPN servers, which are incomplete and easily outpaced by new services. False positives and exclusion – It would prevent law-abiding users, such as remote workers, people in high-risk environments, or families securing their Internet connection from getting online. Privacy risks – This would require intrusive traffic analysis, undermining privacy and data protection. Creating diplomatic rows – Users in countries that don't have age restrictions would also be caught up in it.

          Mike Cox boosted

          [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
          @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

          Banning or blocking VPNs in the UK will shatter cybersecurity in a self-defeating attempt to make the unworkable workable.

          Creating uncertainty around core Internet infrastructure could undermine the UK’s credibility as a stable place for digital businesses and security innovation.

          Read our briefing ➡️ openrightsgroup.org/publicatio

          Restricting VPNs is almost impossible. DIY VPNs – Anyone can create a VPN on widely available cloud servers. This ability is built directly into the Linux OS and many consumer routers. Private, self-hosted VPNs can't be feasibly tracked or blocked. Integration with operating systems – VPN functionality is a standard feature of Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Blocking or regulating it would require restricting core Internet protocols, with catastrophic knock-on effects for business and personal security. Global nature of the Internet – Users will be driven to offshore providers, which would create compliance headaches for businesses, while leaving determined individuals unaffected by domestic restrictions on VPN use.

          Alt...Restricting VPNs is almost impossible. DIY VPNs – Anyone can create a VPN on widely available cloud servers. This ability is built directly into the Linux OS and many consumer routers. Private, self-hosted VPNs can't be feasibly tracked or blocked. Integration with operating systems – VPN functionality is a standard feature of Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Blocking or regulating it would require restricting core Internet protocols, with catastrophic knock-on effects for business and personal security. Global nature of the Internet – Users will be driven to offshore providers, which would create compliance headaches for businesses, while leaving determined individuals unaffected by domestic restrictions on VPN use.

            Mike Cox boosted

            [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
            @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

            VPNs aren’t a meaningful threat to age verification measures.

            ⚫ 6-12 year olds are very unlikely to use them due to technological and economic barriers.

            ⚫ Older teens already know other workarounds.

            Banning or restricting VPNs in the UK is overreach. The price is our privacy and security.

            Read our briefing ➡️ openrightsgroup.org/publicatio

            VPNs are unlikely to be used by 6-12 year olds. Younger users 6-12 year olds are the focus of bringing in online safety' measures like age verification. But they face significant barriers to VPN use. The majority in this group are highly unlikely to download, configure or subscribe to VPNs without adult help. Especially if parental controls on app store downloads are enabled. Adolescents and tech savvy teens Those with the capacity to use VPNs are likely to be teens around 13-18 years old. This group already have the skills and determination to use other workarounds to age checks (e.g. proxy sites, Tor, P2P sharing or borrowed account credentials). VPN use is not a meaningful threat to the effectiveness of age verification, so restrictions are wholly unjustified.

            Alt...VPNs are unlikely to be used by 6-12 year olds. Younger users 6-12 year olds are the focus of bringing in online safety' measures like age verification. But they face significant barriers to VPN use. The majority in this group are highly unlikely to download, configure or subscribe to VPNs without adult help. Especially if parental controls on app store downloads are enabled. Adolescents and tech savvy teens Those with the capacity to use VPNs are likely to be teens around 13-18 years old. This group already have the skills and determination to use other workarounds to age checks (e.g. proxy sites, Tor, P2P sharing or borrowed account credentials). VPN use is not a meaningful threat to the effectiveness of age verification, so restrictions are wholly unjustified.

              [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
              @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

              An adult using a VPN doesn't impact the safety of a child online.

              Adults use VPNs because they don’t trust age verification providers with their personal data.

              Something the UK government has refused to deal with by regulating the industry to ensure high standards of data protection.

              Read more ➡️ openrightsgroup.org/publicatio

              Why are more adults turning to VPNs? The increase in VPN downloads suggests the public are wary of sharing their personal information with age verification providers. That's because the industry is unregulated and companies are based in other countries that may have weaker data protection laws. Also, the data gathered from ID checks can end up being repurposed for uses such as targeted advertising. Asking adults to hand over highly sensitive ID documents or biometric data to unfamiliar companies goes against many years of cybersecurity advice around being careful when handing over personal data online. Despite calls from ORG for age verification providers to be regulated, the government has done nothing except expand digital ID age checks into more areas of the Internet.

              Alt...Why are more adults turning to VPNs? The increase in VPN downloads suggests the public are wary of sharing their personal information with age verification providers. That's because the industry is unregulated and companies are based in other countries that may have weaker data protection laws. Also, the data gathered from ID checks can end up being repurposed for uses such as targeted advertising. Asking adults to hand over highly sensitive ID documents or biometric data to unfamiliar companies goes against many years of cybersecurity advice around being careful when handing over personal data online. Despite calls from ORG for age verification providers to be regulated, the government has done nothing except expand digital ID age checks into more areas of the Internet.

                [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                Treating VPNs as a 'problem' is foolish.

                They help parents manage online risks, support secure remote working, protect people in abusive situations, and provide a lifeline to people in repressive States.

                UK MPs themselves use them!

                Attacking VPNs throws the baby out with the bath water.

                Read our briefing ➡️ openrightsgroup.org/publicatio

                What are Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)? With a VPN, people can get on the Internet via a secure, encrypted connection to a remote server. Cybersecurity and data privacy – VPNs mask your IP address to help prevent data tracking and unauthorised access, protecting users from data theft, DDoS attacks, identity fraud and surveillance. This is important when using public WiFi or remote working and some VPN services are bundled with parental filters to restrict harmful websites at the network level. Free expression – In places like Russia and China, VPNs let people access news, social media and resources blocked by governments. This far outweighs the narrow concern that VPNs could be used to bypass age checks.

                Alt...What are Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)? With a VPN, people can get on the Internet via a secure, encrypted connection to a remote server. Cybersecurity and data privacy – VPNs mask your IP address to help prevent data tracking and unauthorised access, protecting users from data theft, DDoS attacks, identity fraud and surveillance. This is important when using public WiFi or remote working and some VPN services are bundled with parental filters to restrict harmful websites at the network level. Free expression – In places like Russia and China, VPNs let people access news, social media and resources blocked by governments. This far outweighs the narrow concern that VPNs could be used to bypass age checks.

                  Melissa Fehr boosted

                  [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                  @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                  The UK government could announce restrictions on VPNs next month.

                  This would threaten our privacy and security.

                  VPNs keep young people safe from harassment. Businesses secure. Journalists, activists and whistleblowers protected.

                  Here's why we must 🧵

                  Sign the petition if you agree ⬇️

                  action.openrightsgroup.org/tel

                    Wen boosted

                    [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                    @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                    🚨 First the social media ban, now the UK government wants to restrict VPNs 🚨

                    VPNs are a vital cybersecurity tool for businesses, politicians, journalists and families to protect data and communications.

                    Banning or requiring digital ID checks before buying VPNs would increase cybercrime risks and expose IP addresses to predators.

                    express.co.uk/news/uk/2217934/

                      [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                      @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                      The open Internet is being killed by stealth.

                      The social media ban is part of a global push towards a permission-based Internet where access is controlled.

                      The government should address the causes of online harms in the business model of the platforms.

                      Sign the petition ⬇️

                      you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions

                        Wen boosted

                        [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                        @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                        Within a year we've gone from porn to “iPhone users, Spotify users, Xbox and PlayStation players pushed through ID checks.”

                        Now social media...

                        It'll only make online harms worse. The data shared for age checks feeds back into ads and customised content that keep us online.

                        🗣️ ORG's James Baker.

                        theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/j

                          [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                          @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                          Complex systems and simplistic interventions don't mix.

                          The current approach fails to deal with the real engine of online harms.

                          The UK government must change the way the whole system works, not erode our privacy and free expression rights.

                          Sign the petition ➡️ you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions

                          A systems-led approach to online safety. User switching rights – Allow users to switch platforms while retaining their contact networks, as you can with your phone number or your email account. Freeing user feeds – Ensure users can control content on platforms, directly or by third parties, to decide what makes them safer and what gives them value. Creating competition by breaking up platforms – Stop platforms being able to own multiple social networks and prevent tech giants using platforms as part of a wider business strategy. Socially-driven social media – On Mastodon and BlueSky, user switching rights are central, and their communities power small environments, leading to safer spaces.

                          Alt...A systems-led approach to online safety. User switching rights – Allow users to switch platforms while retaining their contact networks, as you can with your phone number or your email account. Freeing user feeds – Ensure users can control content on platforms, directly or by third parties, to decide what makes them safer and what gives them value. Creating competition by breaking up platforms – Stop platforms being able to own multiple social networks and prevent tech giants using platforms as part of a wider business strategy. Socially-driven social media – On Mastodon and BlueSky, user switching rights are central, and their communities power small environments, leading to safer spaces.

                            [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                            @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                            We must shift measures from costs on users to user empowerment.

                            That means directly tackling the market power of social media platforms that generate online harms.

                            We should take on the attention economy, prioritisation algorithms and targeted advertising rather than restricting content or access.

                            Treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Platforms rely on extensive data collection to keep users online for longer and target them with ads. Algorithms prioritise content most likely to capture attention and drive interaction, spreading harmful, polarising and addictive content. The data shared for age verification can also be used by platforms and the wider data broker ecosystem to send you ads and customised content. A social media ban is a policy that will fuel the reinforcing loop that generates online harms for profit while sacrificing privacy and free expression.

                            Alt...Treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Platforms rely on extensive data collection to keep users online for longer and target them with ads. Algorithms prioritise content most likely to capture attention and drive interaction, spreading harmful, polarising and addictive content. The data shared for age verification can also be used by platforms and the wider data broker ecosystem to send you ads and customised content. A social media ban is a policy that will fuel the reinforcing loop that generates online harms for profit while sacrificing privacy and free expression.

                              [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                              @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                              From Internet filters to the UK Online Safety Act, our privacy and free expression rights have been hollowed out.

                              Digital ID age checks have expanded from porn to new areas of the Internet.

                              Future measures will include automated takedowns and breaking encryption to scan content on people's devices.

                              Stripping away rights and creating new risks. Every failed attempt to make children safer online is followed by more surveillance and censorship. In less than a year, the government has expanded age verification to such an extent that it'll be virtually impossible to be online in the UK without handing over identity documents or biometric data to unregulated companies. Children have rights too and these policies will harm their free expression and privacy rights, and push them into less regulated spaces. Meanwhile the business models driving harms are untouched.

                              Alt...Stripping away rights and creating new risks. Every failed attempt to make children safer online is followed by more surveillance and censorship. In less than a year, the government has expanded age verification to such an extent that it'll be virtually impossible to be online in the UK without handing over identity documents or biometric data to unregulated companies. Children have rights too and these policies will harm their free expression and privacy rights, and push them into less regulated spaces. Meanwhile the business models driving harms are untouched.

                                [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                                @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                                The road to hell...

                                The government is chasing its tail with the social media ban.

                                It's another 'online safety' policy heaped upon a bedrock of failures. It too will fail to remove harms. More authoritarian measures will follow.

                                The UK government must think again with a systems approach.

                                ORG's @jim explains ⬇️

                                openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-s

                                  [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                                  @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                                  The problem of online harms lies with the underlying business models of social media platforms.

                                  Bans based on making everyone do digital ID checks don't change that.

                                  We must break the advertising-driven business model built on surveillance, profiling and maximising engagement.

                                  Sign our petition ⬇️

                                  you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions

                                    Gareth Kitchen boosted

                                    [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                                    @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                                    A global movement to is coming.

                                    Bans will wall off the open Internet. Kids locked out and adults pushed through digital ID checks.

                                    Connection and access to information is being swept away for a policy that leaves platforms free to continue promoting harmful content for profit.

                                    Find out more ➡️ stopkillingtheinternet.com/

                                      Impossible Umbrella :donor: :tux: :vim: boosted

                                      [?]Open Rights Group » 🌐
                                      @openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org

                                      Social media bans don't work.

                                      Yet it's happening globally as leaders try to grab headlines with creeping digital ID checks.

                                      This doesn't take on how platforms are designed to capture users' attention with harmful content through data-driven algorithms so they can sell ads.

                                      ORG's @JamesBaker explains ➡️ peertube.openrightsgroup.org/w

                                        🗳
                                        The Tattooed Nonna 🧙‍♀️ boosted

                                        [?]The Tattooed Nonna 🧙‍♀️ [She/her] » 🌐
                                        @Tattooed_Mummy@beige.party

                                        Please confirm your age before reading this toot [SENSITIVE CONTENT]

                                        I'm older that God:20
                                        I'm middle aged and should know better:94
                                        I'm a clever young whipper snapper:9
                                        I'm a cheeky teen:0
                                        I'm a child. Protect me:6

                                        Closed

                                          4 ★ 4 ↺
                                          Softwarewolf boosted

                                          [?]Sam (home from EMF 😢) » 🌐
                                          @sam@cablespaghetti.dev

                                          Dammit lgbtqia.space have GeoBlocked the UK because of the . This unfortunately has the side effect of blocking federation with any UK hosted instance…including my new single user snac instance. 😢

                                          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

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