Katy Vaughan
@drkatyvaughan.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Law @Swansea Uni.
Member of CYTREC, VOX-Pol, Christchurch Call Advisory Network.
Legal Ed, Counter-Terrorism, Human Rights, Digital Rights.
Member of CYTREC, VOX-Pol, Christchurch Call Advisory Network.
Legal Ed, Counter-Terrorism, Human Rights, Digital Rights.
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Fewer workers. Fewer international students. More people leaving.
A "step in the right direction" according to the PM.
Impossible to take PM/govt seriously on growth if they are deliberately reducing it (and making the fiscal position worse) *as a matter of policy*.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A "step in the right direction" according to the PM.
Impossible to take PM/govt seriously on growth if they are deliberately reducing it (and making the fiscal position worse) *as a matter of policy*.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK net migration falls sharply with drop in arrivals for work and study
Provisional figures for net migration to the UK show levels dropped to 204,000 in the year to June 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Fewer workers. Fewer international students. More people leaving.
A "step in the right direction" according to the PM.
Impossible to take PM/govt seriously on growth if they are deliberately reducing it (and making the fiscal position worse) *as a matter of policy*.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A "step in the right direction" according to the PM.
Impossible to take PM/govt seriously on growth if they are deliberately reducing it (and making the fiscal position worse) *as a matter of policy*.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
If the Palestine Action case does nothing else (and you'd need a lot of faith in the power of rights in security contexts to think it will) it spotlights once again the lamentable mess of Closed Material Procedures that the UK Govt has so far gotten away with:
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 AM
If the Palestine Action case does nothing else (and you'd need a lot of faith in the power of rights in security contexts to think it will) it spotlights once again the lamentable mess of Closed Material Procedures that the UK Govt has so far gotten away with:
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
This week: Heritage exporting its Project 2025 agenda to Europe, to Roblox hosting mosque-shooting sims & white supremacist groups targeting kids, to U.S. officials pushing policies and propaganda that echo far-right networks & endanger LGBTQ+ communities.
Read and subscribe to our weekly updates:
Read and subscribe to our weekly updates:
GPAHE Brings You the Latest News in Far-Right Hate and Extremism
This week: From TPUSA’s apocalyptic turn in youth politics and Heritage exporting its Project 2025 agenda to Europe, to Roblox hosting mosque-shooting sims and white supremacist groups targeting kids,...
globalextremism.org
November 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
This week: Heritage exporting its Project 2025 agenda to Europe, to Roblox hosting mosque-shooting sims & white supremacist groups targeting kids, to U.S. officials pushing policies and propaganda that echo far-right networks & endanger LGBTQ+ communities.
Read and subscribe to our weekly updates:
Read and subscribe to our weekly updates:
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
The EU has published a world-first risk landscape report under the #DSA.
It flags systemic risks on big platforms — from illegal content to generative AI— and tracks how platforms are addressing them.
More transparency. More accountability.
A safer online space for all.
link.europa.eu/NKM4yd
It flags systemic risks on big platforms — from illegal content to generative AI— and tracks how platforms are addressing them.
More transparency. More accountability.
A safer online space for all.
link.europa.eu/NKM4yd
November 23, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The EU has published a world-first risk landscape report under the #DSA.
It flags systemic risks on big platforms — from illegal content to generative AI— and tracks how platforms are addressing them.
More transparency. More accountability.
A safer online space for all.
link.europa.eu/NKM4yd
It flags systemic risks on big platforms — from illegal content to generative AI— and tracks how platforms are addressing them.
More transparency. More accountability.
A safer online space for all.
link.europa.eu/NKM4yd
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Asylum is not "illegal migration"
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Asylum is not illegal migration – why the UK government shouldn’t conflate the two
The new proposals transform settlement into something that must be continually earned. The path has become longer, more conditional and far more easily disrupted.
theconversation.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Asylum is not "illegal migration"
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
If the system worked properly and fairly, this man would have been recognised years ago, been able to bring his family here and be a British citizen. Instead, he now faces being caught up in the Home Secretary's plans to switch refugees into what seems to be a minimum 20 year route to settlement.
November 23, 2025 at 9:08 AM
If the system worked properly and fairly, this man would have been recognised years ago, been able to bring his family here and be a British citizen. Instead, he now faces being caught up in the Home Secretary's plans to switch refugees into what seems to be a minimum 20 year route to settlement.
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Thank you to @alangreene.bsky.social for hosting me and @colinmurray.bsky.social on the new Counter Terrorism podcast to talk about the proscription of Palestine Action. It was great to have this chat. The hearings for the full judicial review of the proscription take place on 25-27 November.
I recorded a podcast with @daniellalock.bsky.social and @colinmurray.bsky.social in which we discuss decision to ban #PalestineAction. There is some really excellent stuff in here-- Daniella and Colin are on top of their briefs.
Please do check it out and share widely!
youtu.be/tKN4Wk2SEyQ?...
Please do check it out and share widely!
youtu.be/tKN4Wk2SEyQ?...
Banning Palestine Action: Legal Experts Explain the Implications for UK Democracy
YouTube video by Dr Alan Greene
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Thank you to @alangreene.bsky.social for hosting me and @colinmurray.bsky.social on the new Counter Terrorism podcast to talk about the proscription of Palestine Action. It was great to have this chat. The hearings for the full judicial review of the proscription take place on 25-27 November.
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Four men from Active Club Sweden have been sentenced to prison after they were found guilty of several racially motivated assaults in Stockholm
The men, aged between 21 and 23, were jailed for between six months and three years and will have to pay damages
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
The men, aged between 21 and 23, were jailed for between six months and three years and will have to pay damages
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Four ‘active club’ members sentenced to prison in Sweden for racist assaults
Men aged 20 to 23 convicted at trial that showed pattern of far-right activists assembling in gyms
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Four men from Active Club Sweden have been sentenced to prison after they were found guilty of several racially motivated assaults in Stockholm
The men, aged between 21 and 23, were jailed for between six months and three years and will have to pay damages
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
The men, aged between 21 and 23, were jailed for between six months and three years and will have to pay damages
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Trump’s move to label “Antifa” a domestic terrorist group—despite no legal framework for such a designation—has sparked imitation abroad. Far-right leaders in Hungary, Poland, and the Netherlands are adopting similar rhetoric to criminalize opposition.
Read more:
Read more:
How the International Far Right is Getting on Board With Trump’s Antifa Terrorist Designation
Trump’s baseless “Antifa” terrorist designation has sparked a global echo, with Hungary, Poland, and the Netherlands moving to replicate it. The coordinated effort reframes dissent as terrorism—part o...
globalextremism.org
November 15, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Trump’s move to label “Antifa” a domestic terrorist group—despite no legal framework for such a designation—has sparked imitation abroad. Far-right leaders in Hungary, Poland, and the Netherlands are adopting similar rhetoric to criminalize opposition.
Read more:
Read more:
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
I’m really pleased (& grateful!) to have my research featured on the VOX-Pol blog, following my presentation at the Next Generation Network Conference in Prague earlier this year.
🔗 voxpol.eu/radical-righ...
🧵👇
#langsky #polsky #radicalright #politicalcommunication #ECR #antiextremistresearch
🔗 voxpol.eu/radical-righ...
🧵👇
#langsky #polsky #radicalright #politicalcommunication #ECR #antiextremistresearch
Performing Politics from the Margins: How Radical Right Groups Construct Political Identity Online - VOX - Pol
How the EDL, Generation Identity, and Siege Culture use familiar political roles to normalise exclusion and influence debate.
voxpol.eu
November 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
I’m really pleased (& grateful!) to have my research featured on the VOX-Pol blog, following my presentation at the Next Generation Network Conference in Prague earlier this year.
🔗 voxpol.eu/radical-righ...
🧵👇
#langsky #polsky #radicalright #politicalcommunication #ECR #antiextremistresearch
🔗 voxpol.eu/radical-righ...
🧵👇
#langsky #polsky #radicalright #politicalcommunication #ECR #antiextremistresearch
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Since we’re in the mood for strict accuracy in broadcast news, worth noting that a rival channel had a pundit - unchallenged - say asylum seekers in hotels committed 44% of sexual offences in one county, seemingly because she cannot understand basic maths.
A national newspaper journalist went on a British TV channel to claim police stats showed asylum-seekers committed 44% of sex crimes in Dorset.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
November 9, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Since we’re in the mood for strict accuracy in broadcast news, worth noting that a rival channel had a pundit - unchallenged - say asylum seekers in hotels committed 44% of sexual offences in one county, seemingly because she cannot understand basic maths.
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
The BBC's senior leadership resigning en masse over one dodgy edit in one programme, simply because the right wing press demands it, tells you everything you need to know about where the power really lies in that relationship
November 9, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The BBC's senior leadership resigning en masse over one dodgy edit in one programme, simply because the right wing press demands it, tells you everything you need to know about where the power really lies in that relationship
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
It's only a problem for the #OnlineSafetyAct if (a) the OSA was meant to catch all uses of AI chatbots in the first place (it wasn't) and (b) we think that extending 'regulation by regulator' is a good way of addressing the issue. Predictably, that model is already floundering in its current tasks.
As Prof Lorna Woods tells @bbclaurak.bsky.social in her piece on risks of #ai #chatbots, the #onlinesafetyact is "clear but doesn't match the market ...
the problem is it doesn't catch all services where users engage with a chatbot one-to-one." 1/2 ⬇️
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
the problem is it doesn't catch all services where users engage with a chatbot one-to-one." 1/2 ⬇️
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Mothers say AI chatbots encouraged their sons to kill themselves - BBC News
In her first UK interview Megan Garcia speaks to Laura Kuenssberg about the death of her teenage son.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org
November 9, 2025 at 1:21 PM
It's only a problem for the #OnlineSafetyAct if (a) the OSA was meant to catch all uses of AI chatbots in the first place (it wasn't) and (b) we think that extending 'regulation by regulator' is a good way of addressing the issue. Predictably, that model is already floundering in its current tasks.
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Security means different things for different people. Check out our surveillance self-defense guides for protesters, researchers, LGBTQ youth, human rights defenders, and more. ssd.eff.org/module-cate...
Security Scenarios
Tagline
ssd.eff.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Security means different things for different people. Check out our surveillance self-defense guides for protesters, researchers, LGBTQ youth, human rights defenders, and more. ssd.eff.org/module-cate...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
The full transcript of Zohran Mamdani's acceptance speech is very much worth reading in full. Even if you don't agree with your politics, it's very beautifully put together.
archive.is/8VqQJ
[this is a useable link to the NYT transcript]
archive.is/8VqQJ
[this is a useable link to the NYT transcript]
November 5, 2025 at 11:34 AM
The full transcript of Zohran Mamdani's acceptance speech is very much worth reading in full. Even if you don't agree with your politics, it's very beautifully put together.
archive.is/8VqQJ
[this is a useable link to the NYT transcript]
archive.is/8VqQJ
[this is a useable link to the NYT transcript]
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
UK government loses attempt to block judicial review of Palestine Action ban (nb the merits of the challenge are not decided yet)
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government loses bid to block appeal against Palestine Action ban
Palestine Action's co-founder said the government's attempt to avoid judicial scrutiny had 'backfired spectacularly'.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 4:05 PM
UK government loses attempt to block judicial review of Palestine Action ban (nb the merits of the challenge are not decided yet)
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Read my two letters to the #UK:
1. Protests: I call for a review of the legal framework and the reconsideration of provisions in the Crime & Policing Bill that could restrict freedom of assembly.
2. Trans people: I warn against exclusion&zero-sum approaches
👇#HumanRights
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
1. Protests: I call for a review of the legal framework and the reconsideration of provisions in the Crime & Policing Bill that could restrict freedom of assembly.
2. Trans people: I warn against exclusion&zero-sum approaches
👇#HumanRights
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
United Kingdom: Commissioner addresses human rights issues in policing of protests and the situation of trans people - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 14/10/2025
www.coe.int
October 14, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Read my two letters to the #UK:
1. Protests: I call for a review of the legal framework and the reconsideration of provisions in the Crime & Policing Bill that could restrict freedom of assembly.
2. Trans people: I warn against exclusion&zero-sum approaches
👇#HumanRights
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
1. Protests: I call for a review of the legal framework and the reconsideration of provisions in the Crime & Policing Bill that could restrict freedom of assembly.
2. Trans people: I warn against exclusion&zero-sum approaches
👇#HumanRights
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
UK fines 4chan over noncompliance with Online Safety Act therecord.media/4chan-fined-...
UK fines 4chan over noncompliance with Online Safety Act
Britain's communications regulator took another step in a process that could lead to internet service providers being required to block access to 4chan.
therecord.media
October 14, 2025 at 9:42 AM
UK fines 4chan over noncompliance with Online Safety Act therecord.media/4chan-fined-...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
"A prominent anti-DEI campaigner appointed by Meta in August as an adviser on AI bias has spent the weeks since his appointment spreading disinformation about shootings, transgender people, vaccines, crime, and protests."
"A prominent anti-DEI campaigner appointed by Meta in August as an adviser on AI bias has spent the weeks since his appointment spreading disinformation about shootings, transgender people, vaccines, crime, and protests."
Meta AI adviser spreads disinformation about shootings, vaccines and trans people
Critics condemn Robby Starbuck, appointed in lawsuit settlement, for ‘peddling lies and pushing extremism’
www.theguardian.com
October 12, 2025 at 6:04 PM
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
"A prominent anti-DEI campaigner appointed by Meta in August as an adviser on AI bias has spent the weeks since his appointment spreading disinformation about shootings, transgender people, vaccines, crime, and protests."
"A prominent anti-DEI campaigner appointed by Meta in August as an adviser on AI bias has spent the weeks since his appointment spreading disinformation about shootings, transgender people, vaccines, crime, and protests."
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Conor Gearty died a month ago yesterday. He was deeply committed to human rights law without idealising it. He recognised its power & value while acknowledging its limitations (& those of the people engaging with it). He was also an exceptional lawyer. This is a fitting final piece in the @lrb.co.uk
October 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Conor Gearty died a month ago yesterday. He was deeply committed to human rights law without idealising it. He recognised its power & value while acknowledging its limitations (& those of the people engaging with it). He was also an exceptional lawyer. This is a fitting final piece in the @lrb.co.uk
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
If you want to start taking steps to enhance your digital security, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some simple concepts and tips. ssd.eff.org/en/playlist...
Want a security starter pack?
Start from the beginning with a selection of simple steps.
Surveillance impacts all of us, no matter where we live or what we do. While some of us might be directly affected, others may simply want to know what measures they can take to protect their communications and data from...
ssd.eff.org
October 7, 2025 at 9:04 PM
If you want to start taking steps to enhance your digital security, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some simple concepts and tips. ssd.eff.org/en/playlist...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
New paper out with the CoE exploring how and how quickly terrorists adopt new technologies. It identifies factors inhibiting or encouraging new tech adoption - with two case studies on virtual assets and drones - and analyses the impact of new tech on terrorism in Europe rm.coe.int/report-on-th...
rm.coe.int
October 7, 2025 at 1:16 PM
New paper out with the CoE exploring how and how quickly terrorists adopt new technologies. It identifies factors inhibiting or encouraging new tech adoption - with two case studies on virtual assets and drones - and analyses the impact of new tech on terrorism in Europe rm.coe.int/report-on-th...
Reposted by Katy Vaughan
Reason we had 60,000 people in hotels in mid-2024 was the combination of
* ban asylum claims & stop processing from Spring 2023
* promise rapid removals of everyone who arrived from March 7th 2033, but suspend most returns deals by ceasing processing
* have no way to remove 99% beyond Rwanda bluff
* ban asylum claims & stop processing from Spring 2023
* promise rapid removals of everyone who arrived from March 7th 2033, but suspend most returns deals by ceasing processing
* have no way to remove 99% beyond Rwanda bluff
Kuenssberg: “Where would the 150,000 people you plan to deport each year actually go?”
Badenoch: “I’m tired of irrelevant questions.”
The Tories have an idiot in charge, one who doesn’t know NI voted Remain or why deportation deals even matter. #ukpolitics
Badenoch: “I’m tired of irrelevant questions.”
The Tories have an idiot in charge, one who doesn’t know NI voted Remain or why deportation deals even matter. #ukpolitics
October 5, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Reason we had 60,000 people in hotels in mid-2024 was the combination of
* ban asylum claims & stop processing from Spring 2023
* promise rapid removals of everyone who arrived from March 7th 2033, but suspend most returns deals by ceasing processing
* have no way to remove 99% beyond Rwanda bluff
* ban asylum claims & stop processing from Spring 2023
* promise rapid removals of everyone who arrived from March 7th 2033, but suspend most returns deals by ceasing processing
* have no way to remove 99% beyond Rwanda bluff