Protect people. Regulate powerful platforms. Keep the internet open.
The Government is planning to introduce tough new laws that require all adults to show ID to access to go online. They say this is to keep under 16s off social media.
However evidence from Australia shows age gates don't keep children off restricted platforms.
But they do harm children and adults' rights to privacy and expression.
Over 16s will be forced to prove their age. This could be by handing over biometric data or identification documents to unregulated age verification providers. This sensitive and personal data is not only vulnerable to data breaches, it can be used by companies for profiling, tracking and commercial reuse.
ID checks will deter some people from going online, impacting their freedom of expression. This could be particularly harmful to some groups, such as LGBQT teens looking to anonymously find information and support online.
These checks normalise surveillance but do little to keep children safe or make online spaces better.
Children deserve better
There are better ways to deal with harms experienced by children online.
The UK government can:
- tackle business models that reward platforms for maximising engagement.
- restrict intrusive profiling and behavioural advertising.
- require platforms allow people control over their own recommender systems and feeds.
- Support social media models that put people in control.
These approaches target the systems that harms children and adults without harming freedom of expression or privacy rights.
Stop Killing the Internet
The UK is not the only country trying to impose ID for online access. Governments across the world are introducing age checks, identity requirements and restrictions on who can access online spaces. That's why ORG is part of Stop Killing the Internet, a global movement fighting to keep the internet open, private and free from unnecessary ID. Together, we can make the internet safer without making everyone hand over their ID to prove who they are.
