Open Rights Group
@openrightsgroup.org
📤 5651
📥 856
📝 1074
We fight for digital rights. Join us.
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/join/
FINAL CALL ⏰️ ORG's competition ends TODAY. Don't miss out on your chance to win a signed copy of Enshittification by
@doctorow.pluralistic.net
! Enter the draw by 23.59 TONIGHT ⬇️
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Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
about 13 hours ago
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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.
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3 days ago
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NEXT WEEK 🛎️ Join ORG and
@caatuk.bsky.social
for a special meet-up in London. We'll be delving into the role of Big Tech players like Palantir in war and genocide. Come along to find out what we can do about it. 🗓️ Monday 1 June 🕡️ 6:30–9pm BST 📍 Newspeak House, E2 7DG Register now ⬇️
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ORG London Meet-up
For our next London meet-up, we have teamed up with CAAT (Campaign Against Arms Trade).
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/events/org-london-meet-up-4/
3 days ago
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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.
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3 days ago
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COMPETITION ENDING SOON ORG is giving away a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow! Grab your chance to win and get your summer read sorted ☀️ Enter by Sunday 31 May ⬇️
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Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
4 days ago
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So we've been getting rinsed by Palantir... go figure 🤷 Turns out we're quid's in when we junk them from our digital systems. Now we just need to replicate this across the State, getting rid of all the other Big Tech suppliers that over-charge and under-deliver. Bring on Digital Sovereignty 🌱
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UK saves 'millions' of pounds by ditching Palantir for refugee system
The government said its in-house IT system was "more flexible" while meeting "high standards" of security.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2l2j1lxdk5o
5 days ago
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The consultation that could see digital ID checks sweep across the Internet ends today. ORG has submitted a response, outlining the threats to privacy and freedom of expression posed by the government's proposals. We set out a better way forward that tackles the cause of online harms. Read more ⬇️
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Growing up in an online world: ORG Consultation Response
Executive Summary Age-gating was implemented in 2025 as a limited mechanism aimed primarily at restricting children’s access to pornographic content online.
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/growing-up-in-an-online-world-org-consultation-response/
5 days ago
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🚨 LAST CHANCE 🚨 The online safety consultation closes TODAY. We must push back against more and more online ID checks. Making every adult hand over sensitive data to unregulated providers is itself UNSAFE. Let's take on Big Tech business models instead! Have your say ➡️
www.gov.uk/government/c...
6 days ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
6 days ago
Join
@caatuk.bsky.social
and
@openrightsgroup.org
on June 1st for a public meeting on Big Tech and the military-industrial complex? Come down to find out how companies like Palantir and technologies that we use every day perpetuate wars and genocides? Sign up here
caat.org.uk/events/big-t...
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CAAT - Big Tech and the Arms Trade: Public Meeting with Open Rights Group
Campaign Against Arms Trade
https://caat.org.uk/events/big-tech-and-the-arms-trade-public-meeting-with-open-rights-group/
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1 DAY TO GO ⏰️ 💭 Tell the government to rethink online safety. ❌️ Creating a privacy timebomb with surveillance-based information blockades isn't the way. ✅️ We need user choice and better platform design, NOT mandatory ID checks. Have your say on a better way by 26 May ➡️
www.gov.uk/government/c...
6 days ago
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We're paying a huge price for a policy that doesn't work. People adapt what they do online when parts of the Internet are put behind by intrusive ID checks. Why carry on like this when young Australians have found ways to bypass the social media ban? Respond by 26 May ➡️
www.gov.uk/government/c...
7 days ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
COMPETITION TIME 👀 We have a signed copy of Enshittification by Cory Doctorow to give away in celebration of
@doctorow.pluralistic.net
joining ORG as a patron. Enter the draw by 31 May 2026 ⬇️
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Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
11 days ago
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Access to information shouldn't be ransomed for our personal data. We’ve gone from ID checks for porn to potentially age-gating social media, livestreams, websites and more. Safety doesn't come from a surveillance-based Internet 🚫 Respond to the consultation by 26 May ➡️
www.gov.uk/government/c...
8 days ago
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4 DAYS LEFT ⏰️ There's not much time left to push back on the expansion of online ID checks across yet more of the Internet. The only way to block young people is to run checks on everyone. The sheer amount of sensitive data that represents is 🤯 Have your say by 26 May ➡️
www.gov.uk/government/c...
9 days ago
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London, the next social is coming up soon! ORG is teaming up with Campaign Against Arms Trade for a special event. Join us to hear about the role of Big Tech firms like Palantir in wars and genocide. And what can we do about it. 🗓️ Mon 1 June 🕧️ 6:30–9pm BST 📍 Newspeak House, E2 7DG Register now ⬇️
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ORG London Meet-up
For our next London meet-up, we have teamed up with CAAT (Campaign Against Arms Trade).
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/events/org-london-meet-up-4/
10 days ago
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Privacy is online safety ✊️ That's why the government gets it so wrong with ever more online ID checks. Either sensitive data gets stockpiled for attack, or people are driven to riskier parts of the Internet. It's lose-lose. ⏰️ Consultation closes 26 May. Have your say ➡️
www.gov.uk/government/c...
10 days ago
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Sadiq Khan shows Palantir the door 🚪 This decision recognises that Big Tech has been grifting the UK for years, by locking us into their exclusive products, jacking up the fees and exporting profits. The future is open source, NOT shady US spyware companies. It's time for Digital Sovereignty 🌱
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London mayor Sadiq Khan blocks £50m Met police deal with Palantir
Exclusive: Scotland Yard had been in talks to use Palantir’s AI technology to automate intelligence analysis
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/21/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-blocks-met-police-deal-with-palantir
10 days ago
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COMPETITION TIME 👀 We have a signed copy of Enshittification by Cory Doctorow to give away in celebration of
@doctorow.pluralistic.net
joining ORG as a patron. Enter the draw by 31 May 2026 ⬇️
loading . . .
Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
11 days ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
Mariano delli Santi
11 days ago
1. The UK Information Commissioner stepped aside from his role this February. Under John Edwards' tenure, the ICO performed so badly that nobody noticed his absence until late April. This is why
@openrightsgroup.org
are launching a campaign to reform it. 🧵
www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-ico...
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The ICO isn’t doing its job – why the data watchdog needs to be reset
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is currently missing its Commissioner, after unspecified HR complaints about John Edwards.
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-ico-isnt-doing-its-job-why-the-data-watchdog-needs-to-be-reset/
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Ofcom's push for image scanning tech online is open to abuse. LBGTQ+ communities could be targeted by malicious reports, leading to content being wrongly censored. We raised this risk at consultation and Ofcom recognise it in the rights assessment. Its impact must be monitored and provide redress.
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Tech firms face tougher UK rules on intimate image abuse
Ofcom to update codes of practice amid rise in ‘revenge porn’ and AI-generated deepfakes targeting women and girls
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/18/tech-firms-uk-rules-intimate-image-abuse
12 days ago
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The UK data watchdog is all bark, no bite. From failing to investigate complaints to forgoing regulatory action in favour of a slap on the wrist, the ICO isn't doing its job. It's time that the regulator is overhauled, because data protection laws only work if they're enforced. Read our blog ⬇️
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The ICO isn’t doing its job – why the data watchdog needs to be reset
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is currently missing its Commissioner, after unspecified HR complaints about John Edwards.
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-ico-isnt-doing-its-job-why-the-data-watchdog-needs-to-be-reset/
13 days ago
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COMING UP 🔔 ORG's Exec Director
@jim.killock.org.uk
will be speaking about our work on digital sovereignty at @sussex.ac.uk's research symposium. Find out about our recent report and more. 🗓️ Tuesday 16 June 🕙️ 10am–3pm 📍 University of Sussex Campus Register now ⬇️
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Digital Sovereignty Across Disciplines: Research Symposium
Digital sovereignty is one of the most important topics affecting both our collective research practices and individual dignity.
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/sussex-humanities-lab/news-and-events/events?id=70705
19 days ago
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Children deserve to be safe online. But the sort of mandatory device-scanning software to block nudes, like SafeToNet, that Jess Philips raises in her resignation would undermine everyone's privacy and security. ORG supports measures that empower users and improve safety without mass surveillance.
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Three ministers resign as pressure rises on Starmer to quit
Jess Phillips, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Alex Davies-Jones stand down after heavy election losses under PM
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/darren-jones-keir-starmer-future-labour-leader
19 days ago
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REVEALED: Serious and widespread cyber security issues with Europol’s Computer Forensic Network. "These findings might indicate that there are insufficient safeguards to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing and modifying data” as well as malicious actors. 🗣️
@jim.killock.org.uk
for ORG.
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‘They protect the law while breaking it’: Inside Europol’s shadow IT system | Computer Weekly
Under pressure to deliver in the fight against serious cross-border crime, Europol built and operated a shadow data analysis platform containing large volumes of sensitive information, which operated…
https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642525/They-protect-the-law-while-breaking-it-Inside-Europols-shadow-IT-system
24 days ago
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“[P]olicies to prevent children from accessing pornography have been grown to the extent that we could need to provide ID in order to access social media, games and apps or use everyday features such as livestreams or feeds." 🗣️ ORG's James Baker on the call for a change in tack over online safety.
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Tech giants and civil rights groups warn UK's age-verification plan threatens the open web
A massive expansion of online ID systems is looming in the UK. Discover why experts say these new laws could entrench Big Tech and forever change how you access the global internet.
https://www.neowin.net/news/tech-giants-and-civil-rights-groups-warn-uks-age-verification-plan-threatens-the-open-web/
25 days ago
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Summer is coming, so it's time to line up a garden/travel/pool read. We're giving away a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow! Be in for your chance to win – enter the competition by 31 May 2026. Try your luck ⬇️
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Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
26 days ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
Electronic Frontier Foundation
26 days ago
EFF joins 18 organizations in writing a letter to UK policymakers urging them to address the root causes of online harm—rather than undermining the open web through blunt restrictions
www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
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EFF and 18 Organizations Urge UK Policymakers to Prioritize
EFF joins 18 organizations in writing a letter to UK policymakers urging them to address the root causes of online harm—rather than undermining the open web through blunt restrictions.
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/05/eff-and-18-organizations-urge-uk-policymakers-prioritize-addressing-roots-online
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UK policymakers need to rethink online safety laws. A new joint statement warns that age-gating and access restrictions threaten to fragment the open Internet and erode the rights of all users. Read more about the statement from 19 organisations including ORG,
@mozilla.org
and
@torproject.org
⬇️
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Companies and civil society warn that UK is undermining open web
Signatories of joint statement, including Mozilla, Tor and Open Rights Group, call on ministers to address root causes of online harm rather than pursue blanket access restrictions.
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/companies-and-civil-society-warn-that-uk-is-undermining-open-web/
26 days ago
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Having Big Tech in the hen house is a major risk. It means the UK is exposed to the US using powers compel tech companies to discontinue services or conduct surveillance. That's why cross-party MPs have called for the secrecy around these risks to be lifted and added to the National Risk Register.
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MPs Demand Action Over UK Reliance on Foreign Tech
Lawmakers say the UK is overlooking substantial risks in its reliance on foreign‑controlled digital infrastructure and overseas providers.
https://www.digit.fyi/mps-demand-action-over-uk-reliance-on-foreign-tech/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
RightsCon
about 1 month ago
It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.
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ORG calls on the ICO "to begin a formal investigation into data protection breaches and accessibility issues with the [eVisa] scheme." “Migrants are being failed by the Home Office, which didn’t properly assess the risks of a digital-only roll-out." 🗣️ ORG's
@sarahalsherif.bsky.social
. Read more ⬇️
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UK data watchdog accused of dragging feet on eVisa investigation | Computer Weekly
Despite longstanding data protection issues with the Home Office’s electronic visa system being flagged five months ago, the UK’s data regulator is yet to take any action
https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642365/UK-data-watchdog-accused-of-dragging-feet-on-eVisa-investigation
about 1 month ago
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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.
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about 1 month ago
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Papers, please! Digital ID age checks have taken another lunge forward. MPs have agreed to new powers to expand age verification across online platforms. Everyday web services will be locked behind digital checkpoints, despite the serious privacy and security risks of this system. Read more ⬇️
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Papers Please! MPs back mass online digital ID checkpoints.
Open Rights Group has warned that new powers agreed by MPs in the Children and Schools Wellbeing Bill to expand age identification across online platforms risk creating a system of digital…
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/papers-please-mps-back-mass-online-digital-id-checkpoints/
about 1 month ago
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There needs to be an urgent rethink on digital ID age checks. Unregulated providers sitting on a pot of highly sensitive data. What could go wrong? Breaches have already happened, T&Cs allow them to use it for advertising purposes and behind-the-scenes links to surveillance companies. Read more ⬇️
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Proton CEO: Age checks turn internet into ID checkpoint
: Push to protect minors risks hitting everyone online
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/23/proton_ceo_age_checks_id_checkpoint/
about 1 month ago
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The Home Office has responded to questions raised by
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social
on its use of AI tools in the asylum decision-making process, informed by ORG's work. The answers raise serious concerns. These systems are being rolled out without meaningful transparency or governance. Read more ⬇️
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Second AI system deployed for asylum caseworkers to be deployed this month as ministers vow ‘decision-makers cannot use the tool by itself to decide a claim’
An automated platform for creating a summary from the transcripts of interviews is to be introduced alongside an existing tool for helping officials to search for and understand policy considerations…
https://www.publictechnology.net/2026/04/15/society-and-welfare/second-ai-system-deployed-for-asylum-caseworkers-to-be-deployed-this-month-as-ministers-vow-decision-makers-cannot-use-the-tool-by-itself-to-decide-a-claim/
about 1 month ago
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“For too long, the UK has been content to be a digital colony of Silicon Valley. We are ceding both economic value and strategic autonomy because we lack a coherent plan to stand on our own two feet.” 🗣️
@victoria-collins.bsky.social
on the cross-party warning over the UK's dependence on US tech.
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British lawmakers warn of ‘glaring risks’ in relying on US tech
The call comes amid heightened fears the Trump administration could use foreign countries’ dependence on American tech providers for geopolitical leverage.
https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-british-lawmakers-demand-transparency-over-us-tech-dependence/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
Announcing ORG's new patron, Cory Doctorow 🎉 Author, activist, journalist and co-founder of Open Rights Group,
@doctorow.pluralistic.net
is joining us to fight for digital rights. To celebrate, we're giving away a signed copy of Enshittification! Enter by 31 May to be in with your chance to win ⬇️
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Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Open Rights Group
Clive Lewis MP
about 1 month ago
1/2 The UK’s dependence on Big Tech has left us dangerously vulnerable, particularly against a backdrop of increased geopolitical uncertainty as a result of US and Israeli military actions.
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The UK isn’t a vassal state of America. Yet Trump wants to punish us over a digital services tax. This can be resolved by ditching US Big Tech from our digital infrastructure. We should invest in open source to promote economic growth through greater innovation and a more competitive tech sector.
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Trump says he will ‘probably put a big tariff on the UK’ if it doesn’t drop digital services tax
President accuses Britain of trying to ‘make an easy buck’ from American tech firms, weeks after warning UK–US trade deal can be changed
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/24/trump-tariff-uk-digital-services-tax-warning?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
about 1 month ago
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Announcing ORG's new patron, Cory Doctorow 🎉 Author, activist, journalist and co-founder of Open Rights Group,
@doctorow.pluralistic.net
is joining us to fight for digital rights. To celebrate, we're giving away a signed copy of Enshittification! Enter by 31 May to be in with your chance to win ⬇️
loading . . .
Win a copy of Enshittification signed by Cory Doctorow
Enter the Competition!
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/win-copy-enshittification-signed-cory-doctorow-0
about 1 month ago
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The government needs to come clean about the UK's dependency on foreign tech companies for our critical infrastructure. Cross-party MPs have called for the publication of secret documents that detail the risks to UK national security and for the National Risk Register to be updated. Read more ⬇️
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MPs call for publication of secret documents that outline chronic risks from UK’s dependence on Big Tech
A cross party group of MPs has called for the government to publish classified documents that detail the “chronic risks” to the UK from our reliance on digital platforms and services, the dominance…
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/mps-call-for-publication-of-secret-documents-that-outline-chronic-risks-from-uks-dependence-on-big-tech/
about 1 month ago
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Did Palantir say the quiet bit out loud? Maybe not when clue's in the name that they're the bad guys trying to spy on everyone. But still, erm, bold to set out their sinister megalomania in a 22-point manifesto. They make the case for ditching Big Tech in favour of Digital Sovereignty for us tbh.
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Palantir’s manifesto: Will Britain confront its tech dependence on the US?
A controversial manifesto by American spy-tech company Palantir has renewed calls in the UK to follow the EU and pursue digital sovereignty.
https://cybernews.com/editorial/palantir-manifesto-britain-tech-dependence/
about 1 month ago
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The problem with our dependency on Big Tech is evident in Palantir's NHS contract. Signing up to a 'subscription service' for one company's exclusive software leaves us with nothing when we end the contract. With open source, we don't have to start again with a new platform when changing vendors.
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UK weighs break clause in Palantir NHS deal
: £330M deal leaves service with no ownership of software built to connect trusts to the platform
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/20/palantir_nhs_break_clause/
about 1 month ago
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Check out the 'Resisting Big Tech Empires' conference taking place this Saturday from
@globaljusticenow.bsky.social
. Featuring Cory Doctorow and a slate of exciting speakers, it comes as concerns mount about the influence of Big Tech in the State and our private lives. 🗓️ 25 April 📍 London 🎟️ Free
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Resisting Big Tech Empires - Global Justice Now
📅 April 25, 2026 | ⏰ 11am–6pm📍 London. Join international speakers including Cory Doctorow, Anita Gurumurthy and Nick Srnicek to challenge big tech power and explore how we can reclaim technology…
https://www.globaljustice.org.uk/event/resisting-big-tech-empires/
about 1 month ago
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The UK is in a toxic relationship. Hooking up our digital infrastructure to the proprietary systems of a few tech companies based abroad has left us over-charged and vulnerable to external threats. ORG calls on the government to put in place a UK Digital Sovereignty strategy based on open source.
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MPs, campaigners warn UK dependence on US tech firms is becoming a national security risk
Digital rights campaigners and MPs have warned that the UK’s heavy reliance on a small group of mainly US technology companies represents an economic, security ...
https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2026/government/mps-campaigners-warn-uk-dependence-on-us-tech-firms-is-becoming-a-national-security-risk?itc=refresh
about 1 month ago
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TONIGHT 🔔 Come along to our Brighton meet-up. Sign up for your place ⬇️
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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More and more governments are waking up to the need for Digital Sovereignty. Being on the hook to US tech companies is a critical weakness in the UK's digital infrastructure. We get locked-in and dependent on products that can be used as political leverage. We must urgently follow the EU's lead.
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Digital sovereignty isn't just a buzzword – it's the future
Opinion: Linux Foundation Europe boss predicts EU will run as fast as it can from US tech companies
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/13/digital_sovereignty/
about 1 month ago
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The UK's love affair with Big Tech is toxic. A small number of companies have captured the market for the UK’s critical infrastructure from the NHS to defence. From this position, they’ve influenced policies that entrench the UK’s dependency. It's time to course correct with Digital Sovereignty.
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UK told its Big Tech habit is now a national security risk
: Open Rights Group says years of reliance on US giants have left Britain exposed
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/15/uk_big_tech_dependence/
about 1 month ago
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"An urgent national security issue” Locking ourselves into exclusive products of US tech companies exposes us to foreign interference in our digital infrastructure. Sanctions, service withdrawal and espionage are all built-in features. We need Digital Sovereignty with open source. Read more ⬇️
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Risky Business: Open Rights Group Slams UK "Overreliance" on US Big Tech
The UK's longstanding reliance on US big tech is putting it at risk in terms of economics and security, a new report warns.
https://www.digit.fyi/risky-business-open-rights-group-slams-uk-overreliance-on-us-big-tech/
about 1 month ago
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"Every procurement decision that embeds foreign dependency, every compromise of sovereignty in the name of convenience, accumulates into strategic vulnerability." Lord Tim Clement Jones has supported our report setting out a roadmap for the government to implement a Digital Sovereignty strategy.
about 1 month ago
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