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James Baker

@JamesBaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy
26 followers 0 following 166 posts

Platform power and free expression program manager at @openrightsgroup. Director of @gamersvoice. Orchestrator of Stop Killing the Internet. Messaging […] 🌉 bridged from ⁂ social.openrightsgroup.org/@JamesBa…, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact

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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 06/10/2026
@cyberleagle.bsky.social That is something at least. I do still worry Ofcom are being pressured not to accept age signals from the likes of Apple’s age range API as being ‘highly effective’. More choice and options for users is I think better than fewer.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 05/10/2026
Reports in Times that government will go for ‘tough’ form of age verification. I read that as successful AVPA lobbying for verification rather age signals from things like Apple age range API range allowed. Secondly seems clear government is going to use threats of ban to try and get private […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026
Do check out this video from Ross about how the EU Kids Act will impact gaming. #SKGaming #Stopkillinginternet youtu.be/mQRcK9nYg9g?is=PhJbPLfpwqt…
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026
Perfectly normal behaviour from a peer that has now started working for Palantir www.thenerve.news/p/clive-lewis-tom… #clivelewismp #palantir
thenerve.news
'We’re watching you’: MP Clive Lewis reveals Tom Watson has warned him over criticising Palantir
In a letter to his former Labour colleague, the peer, who joined Peter Thiel’s AI company this month, writes: ‘You have made the case against the company more or less continuously’. By Carole Cadwalladr
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026
When platform level age gates came in for pornography sites, I did a few interviews warning it could lead to users going to less regulated sites where they encounter more extreme content. This paper beings ‘novel evidence that some non-mainstream platforms that host more extreme or likely less […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026
RE: social.openrightsgroup.org/@openrig… Here is another story here about the Discord ban Filipinos are now facing technology.inquirer.net/149413/oped… totally blocking an entire platform is not […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026
RE: social.openrightsgroup.org/@openrig… If you are around Manchester then why not come along to this event, and you can say hi to me at the same time!
social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026
Among the doom and gloom this is something to be cheery about. A great article on why England’s schools are doing so well at the moment. #education samf.substack.com/p/why-englands-sc…
samf.substack.com
Why England’s schools are doing so well
And what we need to focus on next
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026
@simonzerafa Yes I have to use a VPN to access it from the U.K. so thet have something up with it. Could be their cloudflare settings. Seems increasingly common for some government sites to block like that. My own local council blocks all non-UK IPs for example
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026
@simonzerafa urgh, there is a Reddit thread about it www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/s/2MWv…
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026
The Philippines is looking to ban Discord and Reddit unless they setup offices in just 24hrs. As CICC seek to blame platforms for school shoppings. There is a pattern globally of internet access facing restrictions as the web gets the blame for social problems with multiple complex causes […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 21/09/2026
BBC removing sketches from That Mitchel and Webb look raises the issue of preservation in the digital age. At least physical media can’t be censored for not fitting in with a broadcasters modern day political sensibilities. #BBC www.mirror.co.uk/tv/bbc-removes-mit…
mirror.co.uk
BBC removes That Mitchell and Webb show scenes that 'no longer works'
The broadcaster has been accused of ‘classic overkill’ after it removed 11 sketches from the comedy duo's BAFTA-winning television show amid concerns of racism and racial stereotyping
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 20/09/2026
The U.K. faces a number of really complicated problems and it seems all anyone can do is either offer a minor tax raise or minor tax cut on different products or services. The political class seems out of ideas.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 20/09/2026
@Edent It’s great on a windy day but there is still a storage and base load problem for the days it isn’t windy. Where either gas or nuclear has a role.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/09/2026
I’ve just seen a leaked draft of the EU Kids act. It’s really bad and will be a disaster for the fediverse and any small community web project. #EU #onlinesafety more details to follow.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/09/2026
I was up late last night adding various threats to the open internet onto the #StopKillingTheInternet map www.stopkillingtheinternet.com/map. There is a lot to go to get a complete picture but should be a useful resource for campaigns, information and actions around the world […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 14/09/2026
I’ve reached out to Baroness Benjamin to explain how her Bill that would require anyone running a social media platforms obtains a license from Ofcom, would impact someone running aMastodon instances in the UK bills.parliament.uk/publications/67… . Will keep you posted […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 12/09/2026
My son was telling me how his school have tightened up their web filters in response to worries about online harms. Apparently you can’t now look U.K. the assassination of JFK because it contain references to guns or Charlie Kirk’s page as it contains references to abortion. #censorship #moralpanic
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 12/09/2026
Ok well this is terrifying. Clearview are testing a police tool that links your facial recognition scan to an entire online persona for surveillance purposes. This massive increases how valuable facial recognition data is and even not having a profile becomes ‘suspicious’ […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2026
Computer Weekly habe a good write up on the U.K. plans to place constant nudity surveillance on your own phone and device unless you submit to a Digtial ID check point www.computerweekly.com/news/3666491… #UK […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 09/09/2026
Legislation to force software providers to brick people’s phones with blocking software is really worrying development in the U.K. Any content blocking software should be a parental choice and even then freedom of expression rights of teenagers need respecting.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 29/08/2026
I caught up with some former colleagues who are still councillors in Calderdale. Hearing their stories about the new Reform administration was quite something. Including a Councillor who expressed that they were struggling with the geography and understanding what was or wasn’t within their ward […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 27/08/2026
In a UK poll of 2,000 people 90% thought people should have the right to private conversations online #E2EE #privacy #encryption www.computerweekly.com/news/3666497…
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 14/08/2026
Brazil moves to destroy the fun of millions of gamers by banning live streaming in discord www.reuters.com/legal/government/br… #gaming #discord #streaming
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 10/08/2026
Sometimes I wonder if all the energy and effort put into online safety was spent on trying to secure climate safety.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 07/08/2026
Gutted to learn that William Orbit has passed. Strange Cargo III is one of my favourite EDM albums.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 31/07/2026
@ret @openrightsgroup I’ll be making a start on this w/c 10th August when I’m back at work. If there are any key points feel free to DM or email me
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 31/07/2026
Groudle Glen terrace on the Rochdale canal outside of Hebden Bridge this morning #Calderdale #canal
Picture of planting and flowers on a terrace by side of canal
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 27/07/2026
I registered a washing machine simply for the 10 years part guarantee. After 20 min dealing with an AI voice assistant it turns out that the parts guarantee is only a thing if you had taken out a rip off £8 a month scammy warranty. Of course the plastic fixtures snap after a while. Everything […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 27/07/2026
Was at Deer Shes festival this weekend. The entire site was cashless. I managed to find some traders who did accept cash. So sad cash is now like some fringe payment method in certain locations. #cash
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 18/07/2026
It seems Digital ID scrapped is being ditched by Burnham and England are 4-0 up at half time vs the French. This is turning out to be a good Saturday night 😁#Eng #DigtialID #burnham
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 16/07/2026
You can listen in from 14:00 UTC today at this global event hosted by SFLC.in on the impact on rights of Digital ID gates on internet access www.youtube.com/live/euSkCvhzweQ #DigtialID #stopkillingtheinternet #socialmedia
List of speakers for SFLC.in event on age assurance Continued list of speakers for SFLC.in event on age assurance
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/07/2026
The 16-17 curfew being optional seems like a bit of a climb down or like DSIT officials managed to persuade ministers it was unworkable. Alternatively is it salami slicing like the smoking ban. Gradually normalising redirection? The lack of VPN age restrictions also seems like some reason, and […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 08/07/2026
More evidence Australia’s social media ban isn’t working www.itnews.com.au/news/australias-t… #socialmedia #stopkillingtheinternet
itnews.com.au
Australia's teen social media ban fails to clear first hurdle in age checks
New study finds.
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Reposted by James Baker
Daphne Keller @daphnek.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
It seems actually super messed up that UK embassies are helping age assurance vendors sell their goods — and accompanying mass privacy/surveillance risks — in countries with bad human rights records.
X post from age assurance vendor Tony Allen describing meeting at UK’s Jakarta embassy
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 07/07/2026
It’s funny Smartphone Free Childhood now idolise 1990s video. At the time there was a full on moral panic about video nasties en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_nasty many teenagers would ‘stumble upon’ a VHS of porn under their parents bed… #VHS #Nostalgia #moralpanics
en.wikipedia.org
Video nasty - Wikipedia
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 06/07/2026
The sad thing about Trump intervening to help the US football team is before that the World Cup was helping to repair the US’ reputation and people were even rooting for them. It’s a shame for ordinary Americans to have a leader that hurts their global reputation so badly. #Trump #worldcup
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 06/07/2026
The UK does authority in a deceptive manner. Do you want Government to control your information sources always, sometimes, or are you unsure? #UK #authority #control #stopkillingtheinternet
Screen shot of DCMS consultation on promoting mainstream media news on consultations where no ‘oppose’ option is given
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 03/07/2026
I wrote an article for Green Isles about the concept of ecological digtial sovereignty. ‘From monoculture to ecosystems’ #ecology #software #digitalsovereignty www.greenisles.uk/ecological-digita…
greenisles.uk
Ecological Digital Sovereignty: Monocultures to Ecosystems - Greenisles.uk
By James Baker, Platform Power and Free Expression Program Manager at the Open Rights Group. As a child, I remember journeys before screens were commonplace. Sitting with my head against the cool window of a car or train, feeling the vibrations and watching landscapes roll past. The views of nature and the countryside were amazing,
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 03/07/2026
NO2ID explain why they are supporting #stopKillingInternet www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn3dBA6iubM they are one of 21 organisations around the world backing this movement
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 30/06/2026
I just watched a video on social media warning about someone who dived into a pool off a roof and tragically died. It struck me exactly the sort of thing a teenager would do if banned from social media and made to hang about outside + they also then wouldn’t have seen the warning video on social […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 29/06/2026
We are now up to 19 organisations around the world who are a part of www.stopkillingtheinternet.net it’s been a huge amount of work helping to found this organisation. Also so exciting as it seems to be resonating with people that there is a need for a global movement to push for […]
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Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 26/06/2026
My evenings this week have been very busy with #stopkillingtheinternet we have about 12 organisations from EU, Canada, US, UK and India involved so far.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 26/06/2026
A drug is a chemical substance and object. A social media platform is a complicated system of speech and communication. Using anaology that conflate the two is at best lazy thinking, at worst prohibitionist propaganda from people with authoritarian personality types.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 25/06/2026
A new study in the BMJ concludes the social media ban in Australia has had little impact www.bmj.com/content/393/bmj-2026-36… #socialmedia
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 16/06/2026
This is really excellent from Defend Digtial Me. I suggest people read and ask these questions to people in power defenddigitalme.org/the-uk-under-16… #stopkillingtheinternet #stopKillingInternet #socialmedia
defenddigitalme.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/06/2026
This petition against the social media ban is taking off petition.parliament.uk/petitions/75… #stopkillingtheinternet #socialmedia please do sign and share under the #stopkillinginternet even if it’s a Gov one!
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Do not ban social media for under 16s
I think the government shouldn’t ban social media for under 16s. This is because for many young people social media is how they communicate with their friends. Some people view social media as a lifeline. A community, a supportive network. This is why I think the government shouldn’t ban it.
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/06/2026
Age verification addresses the symptoms not the cause – and even feeds back into the harmful business model. The data shared for age verification can also be used by platforms and the wider data broker ecosystem to send you ads and customised content, fuelling the harmful business model […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/06/2026
Major social media platforms rely on extensive collection of personal data to target advertising and maximise user engagement. Their business models are designed to keep users online for longer, using algorithms that prioritise content most likely to capture attention and drive interaction. This […]
social.openrightsgroup.org
Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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James Baker @jamesbaker.social.openrightsgroup.org.ap.brid.gy · 15/06/2026
In less than a year, the government has expanded age verification to such an extent so that soon it will be virtually impossible to be online in the UK without handing over identity documents or biometric data to unregulated companies. Forcing people to prove their identity in this way puts […]
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Original post on social.openrightsgroup.org
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