Introduce a process that allows individuals to submit petitions anonymously where there is credible personal risk. Cases should be reviewed individually, with oversight from an independent authority to ensure safety and data protection.

The current system requires all petitioners’ names to be public. We think this excludes people at risk of harm for expressing their views, including whistleblowers and dissidents. Requests for anonymity should be assessed case by case. We think an oversight body such as an Ombudsman could ensure secure data handling and prevent leaks that could expose a petitioner’s identity. Participation in democracy must never come at the cost of personal safety.