If we don’t shape the digital future – who will?

As most members know, Together was initially formed to fight against vaccine passports. While the UK is successfully rid of them now, we know the forces behind these ideas are still active. And while reacting to threats is necessary, it won’t win in the long run – we need to promote our own vision for the future, too.

A while back, we asked members for input on a “Digital Bill of Rights,” and we got hundreds of thoughtful responses.

The idea is this document can become a guide for what we want to see. Instead of only reacting, we want to actively shape the future. Long term, we should aspire to get these principles into law and – more importantly – make them part of how society works.

We’re not against technology. It’s made our lives better, and we want it to empower us. But we don’t want it used to control or exploit us.

Based on member feedback, and much discussion here, we’ve created the draft Digital Bill of Rights you can read below. Now, we’d love to hear from you on it.

Please share your thoughts, questions, or concerns by the end of Sunday 8 June 2025 (contact options at the end).

We can’t promise a personal response to every message, but we will read and consider each one as we work towards a final version that can underpin all our work on these issues. Thank you!

Article 1: Your Right to Choose Digital or Offline Options

1. No Forced Digital Use: Using digital systems should be up to you, not something you’re forced into.

2. The Right to Use Cash: You must be able to make purchases with physical cash if you choose.

3. Access to Non-Digital Services: Essential services – like seeing a doctor, enrolling kids in school, or paying bills – must always be available in non-digital formats.

Article 2: Your Right to Free Expression and Information

1. Freedom to Speak and Share: You have the right to express yourself and access information online without unfair interference.

2. No Unjust Censorship: Free speech is protected unless intended to directly incite violence.

3. Fair Content Moderation: Platforms must have clear, consistent, and transparent content policies.

Article 3: Your Right to Privacy & Data Protection

1. Privacy and Anonymity are Your Rights: You have the right to keep your digital activity and communication private, use strong encryption, and stay anonymous online.

2. Control Over Your Data: Your personal data is yours. You decide who can collect it, how it’s used, and when it should be deleted.

3. No Tracking Without Consent: Governments and companies can’t track, store or use your data without clear permission.

Article 4: Your Right to Financial Freedom & Privacy

1. Choice of Money: You cannot be forced to use digital currencies (like Central Bank Digital Currencies). You have the right to use cash and crypto, free from unfair regulation or discrimination, and to control your money and financial privacy.

2. No Financial Discrimination: Access to banking services cannot be denied based on personal beliefs. A functional public banking option must be available to all.

3. Freedom from Social Scoring: People should not be tracked, rated, or punished by governments or companies for their personal views, beliefs, or everyday actions – especially by hidden or automated systems.

Article 5: Your Right to Protection from Surveillance

1. Digital ID Must Be Optional: You cannot be required to use a digital ID to access basic services.

2. No Mass Surveillance: Facial recognition and other tracking technologies must not be used to monitor the public.

3. No Permanent ID Systems: Your identity should only be checked when absolutely necessary – and not permanently stored or tracked.

Article 6: Your Right to Transparency & Digital Justice

1. Explainable Automated Decisions: You have the right to understand and challenge decisions made about you by algorithms, for example for hiring, policing, or credit.

2. Easy Ways to Challenge Digital Wrongs: If your digital rights are violated, you must have access to fair, timely remedies.

3. Transparency from Platforms: Government and companies must be open about how they collect and use your data.

Article 7: Your Right to a Free & Open Internet

1. Net Neutrality Must Be Protected: Internet access must remain open and equal, without content being blocked or slowed down unfairly.

2. Free Access to Public Knowledge: Publicly funded research and information should be freely available to everyone.

[ENDS] – We look forward to hearing your feedback! Please let us know via our contact form here or via email here.