IT involves a wide range of expert technical competences, and operational inter-dependences, the following simply a few seeds and guess-possibilities.
Important Issues
⦁ No Ad-pop-ups, AI profiling, tracking, or beacons — only critical cookies.
⦁ Protection of Free Speech: Free Speech does not have the right (or invitation) to speak on any/every platform (or in any home). UKHomeNet need only openly declare that ‘All Free Speech on this Network must have Humanitarian Thought, Honesty, Principles and Manners’.
People can opt to go WWW if they wish.
⦁ Online Anonymity: Needed for those suffering personal life threats, anxieties, poor confidence; whistle-blowers; unknown people; asking/discussing life questions; encouraging to contribute/share; allowing the juvenile to grow-up etc.
Something is very uncomfortable about unknown people using one’s name, as if they know you.
Do remove the ‘Likes/Dislikes’ mindset.
We need an empowering version of ‘this seems a good point’ – perhaps an option to open a time-limited active window as a request for ideas. Changing mindsets for creative contribution; dispel slough.
A Flag is needed for Fake News.
We can invent trusted-secure, registration procedures for UK Citizen only; a pseudo name linked with a Digital ID Code; also under-18 protection.
Secured Privacy
⦁ A government Registration Office using a secure network.
Applications in person with document proofs and passport photographs.
(Accessibility needs a solution).
Back Office verification process.
When approved, submission goes to an off-site highly secured central server; a double-site encryption-algorithm generates a multi-digit Access ID Code (AIC).
This AIC includes an actual-age ‘code-segment’ for under 18’s; code establishes access to only age-related content.
At 18 years the AIC auto-cancels, User needs to register for adult status card.
User receives photo card with the multi-digit AIC; a one-time-use-registration window (7 day expiry) via a Registration Gateway.
This Registration Gateway allows User to create their Login Account including any verifiers e.g. selecting certain digits from the Card (inversely, if needed, User can ask the Help Desk operator to verify e.g. 5th to 9th digits, if a phone call).
The Card can only ever register one person.
Accounts expire if not used for 6 months (?)
Only the Police or Security Services with Court permission can request a ‘Secure Gatekeeper’ (Admin) to enable a user-detail decode from the off-site secured server.
Outcome: With dynamic logging and Alert Notification we can relate the User ID with any device used; can block/pin-point ‘bad actor’ activities or rogue devices; also detect if ‘bots’ are being used.
Comprehensive Reporting Process for any Level of Harm
Any ‘reporter’ and the ‘reported’ can be event logged under their AIC and username.
A report button offers (say) 5 levels of ‘Harm’ e.g. 1= Unsure/don’t know, to 5=Feel Threat; a comment box to explain difficulty; an option to live-chat with a Moderator.
There needs to be a solution for any bitter, negative, snide remarks that obviously hurt and amplify emotions; perhaps Report Level 2 then escalate to Level 3 if acute.
A child’s perception/language of ‘Harm’ will be different from an Adult. Vetted Moderators, knowing child’s age, could give carer helps for minor difficulties or say ‘Can I chat with your Mum/Teacher for a moment?’
Moderators need quick escalation steps for addressing the range of ‘Online Harms’. Undesirable contributions removed very quickly and a User/Device blocking option.
People need to feel safe and comfortable about reporting perceived ‘harms’, even if they make some mistaken interpretation; Moderators could send direct one-to-one messages to explain/reassure/advise. Any frequent misreporting (malicious or mischievous intent) would appear on owner’s log.
Team/Group/Club groups could elect their own internal moderators to give scope for ‘did you really mean to express this?’
For any malicious contribution, is the professional advice: ‘do not reply’, click Level 1, and then continue?
Hopefully, ‘bad actors’ deterred by temporary suspensions, then the AIC block.
DEVICES: Device integrity is a heavy overhead
⦁ I NOTICE There are no British ‘Network Security and Antivirus’ applications in the recommended Top five (they are USA, Russian, and Romanian). Always to remember: Solar Winds and Exchange Servers.
⦁ Hotspot WiFi too insecure.
⦁ All PCs, Tablets and Smart Phones (various Operating Systems/versions) have inherent vulnerabilities; background processes, open ports; many people do not use good ‘Network Security and Antivirus’ software, or regularly do OS updates; many do not change settings for best security, privacy, and an intruder could change these. Any device connecting to the network could be an ‘infected rogue device’.
⦁ Secure browsers and extensions are protective; local Gateway access means any network segment can be isolated. Each device has unique identifier I.e. MAC-Address/IMI, also associated IP. Logon scripts can identify and log User/Device IDs.
WHAT IF – there was a Leasing / Loan Scheme Instead?
People are happy to buy Kindle for books so why not a standard-build dedicated device for UKHomeNet, in small-Notebook/Tablet/Smart Phone versions? Prescribed security settings; known device identity (MAC/IMI).
Miscellaneous thoughts: Linux is OpenSource, no Licence costs; negligible ‘bloatware’; ports closed until an application opened, create secure UKHomeNet browser and secure logon; simply fully functional for all UKHomeNet activities, some Office Tools and scope for desirable Apps; and secure the Operating System.
⦁ Low cost LEASING or LOAN device scheme at the Registration Office would reduce much complexity. Registering the device using the AIC can be done ON the UKHomeNet.
⦁ Many people (all ages) reluctant to go online owing to its insecurity; some because they cannot afford a device or are IT illiterate. Can this lease/loan scheme be a solution, a very small Landline charge for UKHomeNet use only?
⦁ On modern Networks, Local Councils likely to have VLANs so the project could start now; IT/Content architecture planning and prototype-testing; contributing ideas to final outcome: UKHomeNet.
Interesting thoughts:
⦁ Design of a new secure, bespoke, TCP/IP Protocol for UKHomeNet. If re-inventing that segment of the OSI what would it look like?
⦁ Would a temporary [Gateway + VLAN] helped with Home Schooling?
⦁ A Library Book Loan App with Loan Time Expiry feature.
⦁ This scenario potentially safe for politicians, election campaigns.
2183-11