I wrote about why we need to fight age verification, fight surveillance tech, and protect our civil liberties online for The Guardian https://t.co/h4eHZN4IpM
Kindiki, Murkomen want Gachagua to record statement on terrorism claim https://t.co/fmP5OrFsEo
.@TaylorLorenz in the Guardian: "We need to do everything in our power to fight for free speech, privacy and open access to information while we still can. Once the infrastructure for online censorship is built, it will be impossible to dismantle it." https://t.co/f39GxVXEo6
The rollout of mandatory age verification in the UK has sparked widespread concern among digital rights advocates and users, particularly for its impact on anonymity and access to sensitive online communities such as LGBTQ+, political, and public health groups. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and journalists like Taylor Lorenz have highlighted the risks of this legislation, warning that it could pave the way for broader online censorship and surveillance, potentially undermining free speech and privacy rights. Meanwhile, in Kenya, political tensions have intensified as Kenya Kwanza allied leaders criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly damaging the country's international reputation and exacerbating tribal divisions. Senior officials, including MPs Oparanya and Koskei, have publicly condemned Gachagua's actions as cheap propaganda. Additionally, Senators Kindiki and Murkomen have called for Gachagua to record a statement regarding terrorism allegations. These developments underscore growing concerns about media freedom and political discourse in Kenya.