Coalition warns UK online safety plans could weaken open internet architecture
A group of civil society organisations and technology companies argues that proposed UK age-verification measures could reshape how users access online services, while expanding privacy and security risks.
A coalition of digital rights groups and technology organisations has warned that UK proposals on online safety could fundamentally alter access to the open web.
The statement was signed by organisations including Mozilla, Tor Project, and Open Rights Group. The groups are calling on ministers to reconsider plans involving expanded age verification and access restrictions.
The concern centres on current consultations linked to online safety measures. Proposals under discussion include age-gating online features and introducing restrictions affecting services such as VPNs, gaming platforms, and websites.
According to the signatories, these systems would not affect only minors. In practice, broad age-gating would require many users to verify their identity or age before accessing online services. The groups argue this creates new privacy and security risks, particularly where sensitive identity data is collected at scale.
The statement also warns about structural effects on the internet ecosystem. Smaller websites and independent services may struggle to implement complex verification systems, while dominant platforms and app stores would be better positioned to absorb compliance costs.
Rather than focusing on access controls, the coalition argues that policymakers should address the commercial incentives behind harmful online environments. The statement points to platform business models based on behavioural tracking, targeted advertising, and engagement-driven design.
A central concern raised by the groups is that measures introduced in the name of child protection could gradually normalise identity checks across broader parts of the internet, changing how users access information and online services in the UK.
