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Restrictions on Social Media: From Voluntary to Mandatory
Spectre of Churchill
22, July #SpeechClampdown

Restrictions on Social Media: From Voluntary to Mandatory

A blanket ban on under-16s accessing social media is due to come into force in spring 2027, and the Government’s position on the issue remains unchanged. Although the new occupant of 10 Downing Street has promised to take a less restrictive approach to regulating online activity, many social media users remain unconvinced.

Although Andy Burnham, after becoming Prime Minister, pledged to abandon plans for a mandatory Digital ID system and a ban on VPNs, few believe this signals the return of genuine digital freedom. The legislation preventing under-16s from accessing social media is not due to be repealed. In addition, ministers intend to introduce a social media curfew for teenagers, preventing access between midnight and 6 a.m. For the time being, however, that measure is expected to remain voluntary.

As for how users’ ages will be verified without a Digital ID system, the Government has issued only a broadly worded statement: ‘In the coming months, Ofcom will present a range of options for effective age-verification methods that are accurate, reliable, credible and fair.’

Age Verification as a Pretext

Some users are sceptical that any age-verification system will prove either ‘reliable’ or ‘fair’.

‘They are using child safety as a permanent human shield to build a state-controlled internet firewall, copying the exact digital prison models used by China and North Korea. […] We are trading a failed Prime Minister for a high-tech socialist dictatorship that wants total control over what you are allowed to see and say,’ writes patriotic commentator David Shaw.
‘Of course, the by now well worn “ it’s for the children” emotional sell no one’s buying anymore, because you can bet your last quid that’s just the start,’ the author of the Someone's had to say it account supports this opinion.

Free Speech Under Pressure

Social media users have repeatedly pointed out that the UK records more arrests for online posts than any other country, averaging around 30 arrests a day. In 2023 alone, there were more than 12,000 such cases. Critics argue that the easier it becomes to identify people online, the easier it is for the authorities to prosecute them under the Communications Act and the Malicious Communications Act.

Alan D Miller, co-founder of Together Declaration, has already issueda warning to the new Government: ‘We at Together will fight with every fibre we have to see off any attempt to Impose or outsource imposing digital ID on us all. We are not going to stand idly by while you think you can turn Britain into digital prison island. So I’ll ask you and your team now politely - stand down from this.’

Many people therefore remain unconvinced that the new Government has genuinely abandoned plans to tighten digital controls. In the public's view, one way or another, online surveillance is likely to increase. ‘Labour has already spent millions of pounds on this project, and now Andy Burnham is trying to present himself as the man riding to the rescue,’ said Conservative MP Julia Lopez.

#SpeechClampdown
A Somali-Born Driver Struck Five Pedestrians in London
Spectre of Churchill
08, July #MigrantCrisis, #BrokenSystem

A Somali-Born Driver Struck Five Pedestrians in London

The incident took place on Ealing Broadway, where a car mounted the pavement and struck five pedestrians before the driver fled the scene. He was later arrested by police. Social media users have focused on the authorities’ response, arguing that they portrayed the incident involving a Muslim driver as nothing more than a routine road traffic collision. The driver has been identified as 34-year-old Timir Ahmed Mohamed. Born in Somalia, he now holds British citizenship. Following his arrest, investigators stated that they were treating the incident as a road traffic incident rather than an act of terrorism.
#MigrantCrisis, #BrokenSystem
Hundreds of Thousands of Girls Were Victims of Grooming Gangs
Spectre of Churchill
01, July #MigrantCrisis, #BrokenSystem

Hundreds of Thousands of Girls Were Victims of Grooming Gangs

At least 250,000 cases of abuse involving girls across 149 areas of the UK are alleged to have taken place, according to the findings of an independent inquiry published in June in a report entitled Rape Gang Inquiry. The report’s conclusions, together with the response of the mainstream media, have generated widespread discussion on social media.
#MigrantCrisis, #BrokenSystem
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