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 checkpoints.
As age identification expands, millions more people may be required to hand over personal data to access everyday services. Open Rights Group has already warned that current systems pose “serious privacy and security risks”, including weak safeguards, data reuse, and fraud vulnerabilities.
James Baker, Platform Power Programme Manager at Open Rights Group, said:
“In less than a year, we’ve gone from proposals to check ID for porn to the prospect of checking ID to access social media or unlock everyday features such as livestreams or feeds. These online ID systems put both children and adults’ sensitive data at risk.”
“Evidence coming out of Austrialia where a ban is in place suggests that many young people are seeking to avoid these blanket bans, and they aren’t effective.
“MPs should look at other policy options that change the underlying business models of social media platforms so we can build better online spaces rather than imposing blanket restrictions.”
Open Rights Group reiterated its call for stronger regulation of the age assurance industry, alongside robust data protection safeguards.
The group also warned that when details of the regulations to impose bans emerge they must not sweep up low-risk community forums and small services, which are already being forced offline due to the burden of complying with the Online Safety Act.
