Search results for tag #ukpolitics
“For too long, Big Tech corporations have embedded themselves in our public services, locked us into contracts that serve their shareholders not citizens, and even shaped government policy.
The result is government contracts being handed out to companies like Palantir, who should have no place in delivering UK public services."
Clive Lewis MP on the need for #DigitalSovereignty and #OpenSource as detailed in our report.
Sign our petition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
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Quote: "With increasing geopolitical uncertainty as a result of US and Israeli military actions, the UK must ensure that it has control over its critical digital infrastructure. Digital sovereignty must be a priority.” from Clive Lewis MP, Labour Party.
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ORG's report shows our over-reliance on foreign companies has become an urgent issue of national security.
It also leads to vendor lock-in, inflated costs for government and business and the extraction of value from the UK economy. This can change.
Tell the government we need Digital Sovereignty ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #bigtech #unplugbigtech #tech #ukpolitics #ukpol
UK digital infrastructure is on shaky ground.
Our dependency on Big Tech must end. We're being ripped off and putting our critical systems at risk of foreign interference.
ORG's @jim explains why we need Digital Sovereignty with open source tech.
Watch now ➡️ https://peertube.openrightsgroup.org/w/8x4qi2BaEpGDLDvfwf8wj6
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #bigtech #unplugbigtech #tech #ukpolitics #ukpol
The UK government is stuck treating the symptoms, not the root cause of online harms.
Nothing changes until we break the business model that drives hate and extremism; the harvesting of our data to maximise engagement and fuel advertising.
It's time to #BreakBigTech.
Sign and share our petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/break-big-tech
#bigtech #socialmedia #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #x #meta #tiktok #google
Re: Agenda for meeting with social media bosses.
✅️ Uphold data protection to tackle targeted advertising.
✅️ Make algorithms transparent and give users control over them.
✅️ Introduce social media switching rights like banking and mobile phones, so we can change platforms without losing networks.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/apr/16/keir-starmer-social-media-firms-no-10-meeting
#BreakBigTech #bigtech #socialmedia #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #x #meta #tiktok #google
"By investing in open source software and diversity of talent, pioneering British businesses could deliver accessible, user-friendly services designed with the people who use them in mind. It is an open-goal we must not miss.”
🗣️ @sianberry
Support the Early Day Motion tabled by Siân Berry for the government to devise a UK Digital Sovereignty strategy.
Write to your MP (UK) ⬇️
“Open Rights Group is doing incredibly important work to call out the glaring risks we are exposed to by our over-reliance on tech giants.
As global events continue to cause instability, we must build much more resilience to protect our critical digital infrastructure from the potential threat of sanctions and service withdrawal."
@sianberry on ORG's report, calling for UK #DigitalSovereignty and investment in #opensource tech to end our over-reliance on US tech giants.
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Quote: "Striving for digital sovereignty with the recommendations in this report as our guide, should be a top Government objective, and is a massive chance to grow the UK’s homegrown technology sector." from Siân Berry MP, Green Party.
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"For years, a handful of Big Tech companies have used their power to gain control of the UK’s digital infrastructure, locking the government into wasteful contracts and shaping tech policy in their favour."
🗣️ ORG's @jim on our new report calling for UK Digital Sovereignty.
Find out more ⬇️
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #bigtech #tech #ukpolitics #ukpol
A growing number of MPs that have signed the Early Day Motion calling for a Digital Sovereignty strategy and spoken out in debates.
It'll take political courage to end our digital dependency on powerful tech companies. But the risks of not acting are greater.
Sign and share our petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#DigitalSovereignty #bigtech #tech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
Digital dependence poses serious democratic risks.
They include lobbying, interference in trade agreements, deregulation and producing e-waste.
Governments become spellbound by techno-solutionism as vendors promote their way of doing things.
This only leads to greater economic extraction.
#DigitalSovereignty #bigtech #tech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
The dominance of Big Tech in social media is itself a risk to democracy.
Yet the government supports Big Tech monopolies with ad spending and content without publishing on the alternatives.
They complain about Big Tech’s failures, while only giving users the opportunity to engage through Big Tech.
#DigitalSovereignty #bigtech #tech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
The way forward is having the leadership to promote alternatives to Big Tech and using shared, Open Source tech.
It isn't about 'Buy British'. Open Source allows multiple partners and governments to develop the tools they need.
That means no vendor lock-in that frees us from coersion and control.
#DigitalSovereignty #bigtech #tech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
Making ourselves dependent on Big Tech has been a fatal mistake.
The Post Office scandal didn't come from nowhere. Outsourcing our systems to the exclusive product of a single provider means we're locked-in to using it and them.
This leads to over-charging that costs in failure and extracts value.
#DigitalSovereignty #bigtech #tech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
The UK government has blanked the risks of US tech dependency for too long.
Our digital infrastructure is a strategic asset.
But that understanding is absent in how we hand out public sector contracts and allow UK tech sector sell-offs to foreign companies.
We must shift the dial.
Read more ⬇️
https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-case-for-digital-sovereignty-and-the-digital-commons/
#DigitalSovereignty #bigtech #tech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
Digital Sovereignty is the ability to have control over our digital infrastructure, data and technology.
That's means giving companies like Palantir the boot and investing in open source systems.
It'll make us more competitive and innovative, reduce costs and enhance security.
Read more ⬇️
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #palantir #nhs #ukpolitics #ukpol
NHS workers are being gagged from criticising the Palantir contract 🤐
We can't duck the hard truths that embedding US Big Tech in UK public services carries risks of outside political interference and waste from vendor lock-in.
The alternative is here: Digital Sovereignty with open source tech.
https://novaramedia.com/2026/04/14/nhs-staff-told-stop-criticising-palantir-or-lose-your-job/
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #palantir #nhs #ukpolitics #ukpol
Running key systems on products from companies like Palantir means foreign governments can meddle with our security.
We're overexposed to US sanctions and powers that can compel tech companies to hand over data or grant access to UK systems.
There's another way.
Demand UK Digital Sovereignty ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#DigitalSovereignty #nationalsecurity #bigtech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
The UK's "over-reliance on foreign [tech] companies has become an urgent issue of national security as US foreign policy actions are creating geopolitical uncertainty.”
Our new report calls for the UK government to pursue Digital Sovereignty to protect its critical infrastructure.
🗣️ ORG's Exec Director @jim
#DigitalSovereignty #nationalsecurity #bigtech #opensource #ukpolitics #ukpol
Young people needing mental health support in the UK mustn't be funnelled through Prevent.
A system designed for surveillance exposes people to widespread data sharing that can destroy opportunities.
With data potentially retained for 25 years after their 18th birthday, Prevent worsens the mental health crisis.
https://www.ft.com/content/72fc1e1b-8f0f-41b0-adaf-cb9ed197164b?syn-25a6b1a6=1
#Prevent #dataprotection #surveillance #mentalhealth #ukpolitics #ukpol
ORG's report shows that children make up the majority of Prevent referrals in the UK.
This is not a safeguarding service. It criminalises a generation as being suspect of future wrongdoing.
It's time to scrap Prevent and invest in the support services that young people need to flourish in life.
Read more ⬇️
#Prevent #dataprotection #surveillance #mentalhealth #ukpolitics #ukpol
Trump threatens allies with retribution for not bending the knee.
UK digital infrastructure can be used as leverage or disrupted on his say so.
We need interoperable open-source systems, so we're not locked in to services owned and controlled by foreign tech firms.
Sign the petition for #DigitalSovereignty ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#Trump #nato #starmer #ukpolitics #ukpol #petition #opensource
Our communications, banking, energy, travel and healthcare systems shouldn't be the palm of Trump's hands or any foreign leader.
Open source solutions put the UK in charge of its own future, being able to switch providers without changing systems.
Sign our petition for UK #DigitalSovereignty ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
#opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol
The UK must follow the lead of EU countries, including Germany, France, Netherlands and Denmark.
We must pursue strategic investments in open source technologies, so we aren't locked-in to the exclusive product of a single provider.
We can break the risky cycle of dependency and boost innovation.
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol #eu
Digital Sovereignty means putting the levers of power in the hands of UK democratic institutions. Making us resilient, independent and secure.
And yet, the government continues along a path of reinforcing dependency on US tech giants, by handing contracts to controversial spyware company Palantir.
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol #palantir
The UK's dependency on Big Tech is a vicious cycle.
In granting them contract after contract, they've amassed power to control markets and lobby government.
This has resulted in halting AI regulation, limiting data protection and blunting competition law.
It makes them stronger and us weaker.
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol
The US could leverage power through its corporate dominance of the UK’s critical infrastructure.
After the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israel's Netanyahu, US sanctions led to Microsoft shutting down email, plus electronic and online banking facilities to ICC members.
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol
The US has tech powers of sanction, which can be used to stop a company from supplying services.
Our digital infrastructure shouldn't be a bargaining chip, a pawn in a game of brinkmanship, or simply cut off by Trump.
That's the mess we're in by having so many US tech companies behind the wheel.
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol
NEW: ORG's report sets out the need for Digital Sovereignty.
UK national security teeters on our over-reliance on a handful of foreign-owned tech firms, meaning the plug could be pulled on our digital infrastructure.
We need to pursue open source systems that are in our control.
Find out more ⬇️
#DigitalSovereignty #opensource #report #bigtech #unplugtrump #unplugbigtech #ukpolitics #ukpol
We welcome today's UK High Court ruling on Palestine Action.
The proscription not only criminalised political #protest but had far-reaching consequences for free speech online and counter terrorism programmes like #Prevent.
The government must change the Terrorism Act so future ones don't make similar proscriptions with worse consequences.
With the ban still in place, we need to hear how Ofcom expects platforms to remove #PalestineAction content.
The UK needs digital sovereignty to keep our communications, banking, energy, travel and healthcare systems secure.
If we stay dependent on foreign tech firms for our digital infrastructure, the UK risks its independence and resilience.
Sign our petition ⬇️
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-trump-s-kill-switch-secure-our-digital-sovereignty
Hidden within the UK Online Safety Act is the spy clause that threatens encryption on messaging apps.
As ORG's James Baker says, Ofcom "may be waiting to see what happens in Europe with the Chat Control proposal, because it’s quite hard for the UK to go alone.”
We spoke to Computer Weekly about some of the privacy threats coming up in 2026 ⬇️
https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636751/Privacy-will-be-under-unprecedented-attack-in-2026
#e2ee #encryption #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #ukpolitics #ukpol
Expanding facial recognition without proper safeguards in place puts our rights on the back foot.
We should be able to walk down the street without being ID’d at every step.
The UK Parliament must wake up and halt the march of this tech with its questionable accuracy.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3r7pwpgeweo
#facialrecognition #police #policing #ukpolitics ukpol #surveillance #privacy
Say No to Digital ID 🚫
Nearly 3 million people signed the petition against Digital ID. Next Monday, MPs will debate this 4th largest petition in British history.
Tell your MP (UK) to attend the debate and stop digital surveillance.
Use our tool ⬇️
https://action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-your-mp-attend-debate-digital-ids
#NotoDigitalID #DigitalID #surveillance #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol #ID
At a whopping £1.8 billion, Digital ID is costly to the UK taxpayer and our rights.
This divisive scheme wasn't on Labour’s manifesto. It’s the last thing this government should be embarking on during a cost of living crisis.
The whole thing needs to be binned.
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/28/digital_id_cost/
#NotoDigitalID #DigitalID #privacy #surveillance #ukpolitics #ukpol
Can a toddler be a terrorist?
A shocking new report has found that babies and toddlers have been referred to the UK's controversial counter-terrorism scheme Prevent hundreds of times since 2016.
ORG has shown that data collected under the Prevent programme is widely shared and retained for years even when referrals are marked ‘no further action’. Lives are being impacted from an absurdly young age.
Read more from Hyphen:
https://hyphenonline.com/2025/11/12/babies-referred-to-prevent-counter-terror-islamist/
UK politics, digital ID [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Dear Estonian government: could you please schedule an embarassing leak of all digital ID records for sometime in the next few weeks? That would really help us out.Censorship creeps onwards 🤐
Ignoring issues with the UK Online Safety Act, the government is using Henry VIII powers to engulf more content.
Aimed at blocking 'self-harm' content, algorithms will misidentify support resources and content will vanish behind age gates.
https://www.digit.fyi/uk-gov-to-toughen-online-safety-act-against-self-harm-content/
#onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #osa #censorship #freespeech #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol
The cybersecurity wrecking ball is turning to VPNs ‼️
It's dangerous to attack a tool that can help to keep adults and children safe online.
Age-gating this tech for UK users would increase cybercrime and put under 18s at a greater risk of predators.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn438z3ejxyo
#OnlineSafetyAct #onlinesafety #VPN #cybersecurity #privacy #ukpolitics #ukpol
"No matter your age, the [UK] Online Safety Act will restrict the content available to you online.”
“Adults are being forced to hand over information to unregulated age verification providers in order to get the uncensored version of social media apps such as X, Reddit and Bluesky.”
🗣️ ORG's Sara Chitseko.
https://theface.com/society/online-safety-act-palestine-young-voters-democracy-uk-politics
#OnlineSafetyAct #onlinesafety #osa #censorship #freespeech #ukpolitics #ukpol #ageverification #freedomofexpression #privacy