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The internet began as a marketplace of ideas where anyone could speak and share ideas without fear of the state breathing down our necks - but the technological revolution we are living through has presented opportunities for censorship on a scale never seen before.
From the censorial Online Safety Act, to police turning up at people's doorsteps for social media posts and proposals to restrict under-16s from social media and VPNs…The time to stand up for our online freedoms is now.
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The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Many of the freedoms that we cherish in our society came about by people being brave enough to speak truth to power.
But scenes of peaceful protesters, including elderly and disabled people, being arrested under terror laws for holding signs are clear examples of a government abusing its power. Police are shutting down protests and scanning the faces of demonstrators. The government plans to ban face coverings and protests in huge areas.
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The Government has launched a consultation on a proposed social media ban for under 16s.
We’ve created a guide to help parents and carers respond. Have your say today.
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UK censorship by numbers
150,000+
Non-crime hate incidents recorded by UK police forces
3,000
People arrested for protesting in support of Palestine Action
30
People arrested each day over offensive posts made online in England & Wales in 2023
Key arguments for freedom
Why is freedom of speech so important?
It allows ideas to flourish
From scientific debate, to religion, art and philosophy — without free speech, creativity and human progress is limited.
It allows us to make informed choices
Having the ability to listen to all sides of an issue and access to uncensored information allows us to learn more and make independent decisions.
It allows us to speak truth to power
The right to free speech doesn't discriminate. It is an empowering right that allows all of us to speak out against injustice.
It keeps democracy alive
From protection against silencing political opponents to being free to debate complex and divisive political issues, freedom of speech underpins democracy.
Take Action
1
Reject social media ban
The Government has launched a consultation on a proposed social media ban for under 16s. Have your say today!
2
Join us!
The strength of our campaign to save free speech relies on your support. Join the fight for the future today!
3
Follow us on social media
Watch our latest videos, have your say on free speech issues and share our work.
Absurd examples of content blocked by the Online Safety Act
The UK's censorial Online Safety Act achieved Royal Assent in October, 2023. Overseen by the regulator Ofcom, the act threatens our rights and liberties and includes content takedown obligations, age-gating large parts of the internet, amassing a large amount of executive control over how the internet is regulated and even contains provisions to sanction the scanning of our messages en masse.
Below are some examples of content - ranging from absurd to deeply troubling - blocked by the Act. On the platform X (formerly Twitter), images of Francisco Goya’s 1820s painting were blurred until users passed age checks. Users have also seen a "temporary restriction" blocking tweets with content deemed unsuitable for those under 18. On Reddit, users have not been able to view or participate in discussion channels on trivial topics and political issues until they give up their ID or a face scan to prove their age.
Worrying examples of protest clampdowns
FREE SPEECH TOOLKIT
STOP FACIAL RECOGNITION FLYER
STOP AND SEARCH BUST CARD
Protect your communications
If your phone is seized or your data is accessed by police, your conversations could be accessed – consider using an encrypted messaging app, such as Signal.
Turn off fingerprint & facial recognition access
If you get stopped and have your phone seized, the police could use your fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock your device – consider using a long pin instead.
Think twice about flashy clothing
Police can use surveillance software to track clothing colour if you wear something recognisable.
Beware of sharing photos
Documenting events is critical, but if you share photographs online consider pixelating people’s faces to protect their privacy.
Look out for police cameras
Police have used live facial recognition at demonstrations and major events. If you are flagged (correctly or incorrectly), we urge you to get in touch so we can provide advice and legal support.
5 UK protest movements that shaped history
