Mozilla & UK Gov: Stop Killing Games

A coalition of prominent digital rights organisations, including Mozilla, Stop Killing Games, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, has issued a joint warning to the UK government. The group is demanding an end to legislative efforts that are effectively "undermining the open internet" and threatening its status as a global public resource.

In a unified statement, 19 organisations argued that the openness of the web is foundational to modern society, yet this freedom is increasingly under threat within the United Kingdom due to aggressive new regulations.

The Threat of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

The primary concern for these advocacy groups is the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. While the bill passed the final stages of the UK legislative process on April 29, it introduces much-discussed powers that could fundamentally alter how users interact with digital services.

Key components of the proposed legislation include:

New government powers to restrict social media use for individuals under the age of 16.
A statutory ban on smartphones within school environments.
The implementation of "age gates" and intrusive verification processes.

This follows the precedent set by the Online Safety Act, which has already made internet usage in the UK more invasive. Many services are now forced to implement age-verification measures, creating a more tedious experience for all users.

Why Mozilla and Co. Are Opposing Age Assurance

The coalition argues that the government's approach focuses on restricting access rather than designing safer digital environments by default. A major sticking point is the reliance on age assurance technologies, which the group claims are fundamentally flawed.

According to the joint statement, there are significant trade-offs involved in scaling these technologies:

Inaccuracy: Current methods are often insufficiently precise at determining real age.
Privacy Risks: Verification processes frequently undermine data security and user anonymity.
Universal Burden: Implementing restrictions for minors often requires all users to undergo intrusive identity checks to maintain full access to features.

The group suggests that these measures act as a "sledgehammer approach," making life more difficult for the general public without providing meaningful protection for children.

The Risk to Information Access and Digital Safety

Beyond the technical hurdles of verification, there is a deeper concern regarding the safety of young people seeking vital information. The coalition highlights that the internet serves as a lifeline for youth to explore topics they may not feel safe discussing offline, such as politics, sexuality, or family abuse.

While the group acknowledges that digital spaces carry real risks, they argue for "thoughtful policy interventions" that address root causes rather than relying on simplistic access bans.

Despite these mounting concerns from global tech leaders, the British government has indicated it has no plans to repeal the Online Safety Act and shows no sign of altering its stance on the online provisions within the 2026 legislation.