As a disabled individual, I have had my fair share of unfortunate encounters with online scammers, leading me to adhere strictly to the guidance provided by the Information Commissioner and the Metropolitan Police regarding the sharing of personal information. The current requirement under the Online Safety Act to verify age by providing personal information to third-party, non-government entities is concerning. It directly opposes the advice I have been given and restricts my access to necessary websites.

The Online Safety Act, while well-intentioned, inadvertently discriminates against certain groups, including people with disabilities, by forcing them to disclose personal information to entities that may not have adequate regulatory oversight. This requirement potentially contradicts the principles enshrined in the 2010 Equality Act, designed to ensure equality for all.

Statistics show that disabled individuals are disproportionately affected by scams and fraud. A report by the UK's National Crime Agency highlights that disabled people are three times more likely to be victims of online fraud compared to non-disabled people. This vulnerability makes it imperative to protect their personal data more stringently.

Furthermore, requiring individuals to input sensitive personal data to verify their age not only poses a security risk but also raises questions about data privacy. The potential for misuse of this information by third-party entities is a legitimate concern that needs addressing.

The goal here is not to undermine the essence of online safety but to enhance it by ensuring that the protections do not come at the expense of personal data security and inclusivity. We propose an amendment to the Online Safety Act that eliminates the need for personal data submission to third parties for age verification.


the amendment should involve:

1. Age controls of users should be implemented by the ISP using parrntal control dnforcement on routers. Parents should have responsibility for their children, not the uk government.
2. Ensuring any laws or amendments to laws have thoroughly had the effects for disabled persons investigated and impact asessed.
3. Prioritizing inclusivity by considering the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals while accessing online content.

Your support is crucial in making this change. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a more secure, inclusive, and equitable digital environment for everyone, including vulnerable groups. Let's work together to amend the Online Safety Act and ensure it effectively protects without infringing on personal data privacy or equal access rights. Please sign this petition to drive the changed needed.