Major tech firms Mozilla, Proton, and Tor have issued a joint warning to UK ministers, urging them to reconsider plans to target virtual private networks (VPNs).
The companies argue that targeting VPNs risks creating more problems than it solves, potentially increasing surveillance and censorship online.
VPNs allow users to mask their IP addresses and browse the internet anonymously, which has raised concerns among some government officials.
However, the tech firms argue that this could have far-reaching consequences for online freedom and security.
They claim that targeting VPNs could lead to a 'chilling effect' on online expression and make it more difficult for users to access information and services online.
The warning comes as the UK government is set to review its online safety bill, which includes measures to tackle online harms and increase transparency around VPNs.