Mozilla, Stop Killing Games, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and 16 other notable groups have joined forces to pressure the UK government to halt its "undermining" of the open internet. In a scathing joint statement, the coalition expressed deep concern over the UK's recent and proposed internet regulations, particularly the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the aftermath of the Online Safety Act.

The core of the issue lies in the broad, intrusive measures the UK government has either implemented or proposed. The Online Safety Act, for instance, has made internet use in the UK more invasive by compelling services to verify users' ages, often through cumbersome and privacy-compromising methods. The newly passed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill takes this further by proposing restrictions on social media for under-16s and a ban on smartphones in schools, with a national consultation set to close on May 26.

About the Coalition's Concerns

The joint statement highlights the flawed approach of focusing on access restrictions rather than ensuring services are designed with users' rights in mind. A key point of contention is the use of age assurance technologies, which the coalition argues are either inaccurate, privacy-invading, or inaccessible to broad populations.

"Implementing such access restrictions hinges on all users having to verify their ages, not just young people, and places the burden on providers to comply in ways they consider appropriate."

This approach, as seen with the Online Safety Act, results in a "sledgehammer" tactic that disproportionately affects all users, from gamers to general internet users, without effectively safeguarding minors. Moreover, the coalition expresses concern over the impact on young people seeking sensitive information online, such as resources on family abuse, politics, or sexuality, which might be inaccessible due to overly broad restrictions.

Government Response and the Path Forward

The British government has shown no indication of reversing its stance on the Online Safety Act and seems unlikely to alter its approach with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. Despite this, the coalition's statement serves as a significant rallying cry, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, root-cause addressing policies rather than simplistic access bans.

The full list of signatories to the joint statement includes:

What This Means for Internet Users and Gamers

The coalition's stance underscores a broader issue: the delicate balance between protection and openness on the internet. For gamers, this could mean more hurdles in accessing content, potentially affecting community dynamics and the overall gaming experience. For the general internet user, it signifies a growing trend towards a more restricted, less private online environment.

As the UK's consultation on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill closes on May 26, the international gaze falls on how these regulations will unfold and their potential to set a global precedent. The call to action from Mozilla, Stop Killing Games, and their allies serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant advocacy for an open, yet safely navigable, internet.

ℹ️ Key Stat: The national consultation on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill closes on May 26.