We've called on Ofcom to clear up confusion following the ruling that the Palestine Action ban is unlawful.

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

We've called on Ofcom to clear up confusion following the ruling that the Palestine Action ban is unlawful.

We need to know what platforms are expected to do about their duty to remove 'terrorist' content under the UK Online Safety Act and how new duties will be applied.

Read our open letter ️

Palestine Action ruling: Human rights organisations call for Ofcom to issue guidance on content takedowns

Human rights organisations, academics and writers have written to ask Ofcom to provide immediate guidance to tech platforms following the High Court ruling that the UK Government’s proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful.

Open Rights Group (www.openrightsgroup.org)

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

The threat to Palestine-related political content could be made worse by new Online Safety powers in the UK.

Ofcom's consultation included plans to restrict livestreaming, proactive scanning for illegal content and algorithmic suppression.

These may come into effect before the government’s appeal is heard.

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

At present, content supportive of Palestine Action must be removed when a platform finds it or it's reported.

There's no independent appeal process and Ofcom (UK) has encouraged platforms to adopt ‘bypass strategies’.

This means censoring content beyond what's required to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

Police emergency takedown powers

During a designated ‘crisis,’ police will have direct lines to platforms to demand immediate content removal.

Without independent oversight, live protest footage and dissenting political voices could be silenced in real time.

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

These duties on platforms are excessive considering the Palestine Action ban is unlawful.

It leads to the removal of Palestine solidarity posts and exposes people to surveillance or even criminalisation for engaging with content that references non-violent direct action.

We must hear from Ofcom (UK).

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

Pre-publication scanning

Platforms will have to scan posts and files being shared for ‘illegal’ content and remove it before it’s even published.

Automated filters can’t understand context or nuance – legitimate political content about Palestine (and more) could be removed before anyone sees it.

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol

[openrightsgroup@social.openrightsgroup.org]

Algorithmic suppression

Recommender systems will have to de-prioritise content that might be 'illegal' until it's reviewed.

This is supposed to stop the spread of extremist content, but it could mean lawful activism and protest footage is hidden from feeds – even if it breaks no rules.

#PalestineAction #palestine #gaza #ofcom #onlinesafetyact #onlinesafety #censorship #freedomofexpression #ukpolitics #ukpol