NO2ID Newsletter RSS http://www.no2id.net/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:10:17 +0100 Newsletters of NO2ID - the UK Campagin against ID Cards and the Database State NO2ID Newsletter 105 http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=105 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:01 GMT ++ DIG DEEP TO FIGHT THE DATABASE STATE ++ With party conferences* imminent, the database state is higher than ever on the political agenda - due in no small part to NO2ID and its supporters (YOU!) working hard to raise awareness locally and nationally.  But the battle is intensifying.

Autumn 2008 will be particularly busy, with key elements of the database state - including ContactPoint (a register of all children and their parents), eBorders (collecting information about the movements of everyone) and the Communications Data Bill (phone, e-mail and internet snooping) - poised to roll forward.  The Home Office will start issuing 'ID cards' to non-EEA foreign nationals by the end of the year, with airside workers not far behind.

There's a huge amount still to do, which is why we're extremely pleased to be able to announce a new matched funding initiative.

>From 1st September 2008, the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Ltd has generously agreed to match, pound for pound, any *new* income that NO2ID receives.  Which means that for every pound you give from 1st September NO2ID will receive TWO pounds to spend campaigning against the ID scheme and database state. 

Please send your donation by cheque to our office (please mark your envelope 'JRRT'):

The NO2ID Campaign
Box 412
19-21 Crawford Street
London W1H 1PJ

Or you can donate by credit card or via PayPal using the 'Donate' button on our website, http://www.no2id.net (left hand column)

Double your money offers like this don't come along very often so please, dig deep - encourage your friends, family and colleagues to make a donation. With your help we can stop this.

--
* A big thank-you to everyone who volunteered to help out at NO2ID's various events at the party conferences.

What's next?

+ Correction - Scottish National Party conference +
The Scottish National Party conference is actually 16-19th October, not September as listed in the last newsletter.

+ Consultation on Data Retention Directive +
The government has launched a consultation on the Electronic Communications Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations. Responses should be sent by 31st October by e-mail to commsdata@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Andrew Knight, Home Office, 5th Floor, Peel Building, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.
See http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2008-transposition?view=Binary

+ 8th September — NO2ID at TUC Congress +
Monday, 8th September at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1YD. NO2ID will be holding a fringe meeting to discuss the imminent impact of the ID scheme and what can be done about it. Chair: Christina Zaba, NO2ID Union Liaison. Speakers: TBC. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

We now have local groups in 44 of the 69 proposed locations for interrogation centres - of which just 3 have yet to open. Parliamentary answers indicate that the most active centres are: Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Peterborough and Sheffield.

For information on your nearest interrogation centre, see www.no2id.net/getInvolved/idCentres.php. If you can help set up a local group in one of the remaining locations, or anywhere else in the UK, please contact Matty on local.groups@no2id.net

+ Bradford +

Bradford NO2ID have been canvassing their city councillors to see who opposes ID cards - so far they have had only 25 responses out of 90, having requested the information twice. If you live in Bradford and fancy sending your councillor a quick email or letter to prompt them then please contact Bradford@no2id.net and see if your councillor has responded.

+ 30th August - Bradford NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 30th August meeting in the city centre outside Zavi from 12pm. Bradford NO2ID are following up their succesful first stall with another,  email Bradford@no2id.net if you can lend a hand.

+ 10th September - Bradford NO2ID Meeting (2nd Wednesday of the month) +
Every second Wednesday of the month 6:30pm at Bradford Resource Centre, 17-21 Chapel Street, Bradford, BD1 5DT.

+ Bristol +

+ 3rd September - Bristol NO2ID meeting +
Wednesday, 3rd September at Tinto Lounge on Cotham Hill from 7 - 8pm.  Come and meet your friendly local campaigners.

+ Cambridge +

+ 3rd - September NO2ID pub meeting (1st Wednesday of each month) +
Wednesday, 3rd September 7.30pm at the Salisbury Arms, 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb1+2dw). For more details contact cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624.

+ 13th September - NO2ID Cambridge Stall +
Saturday, 13th September at 10am in the usual spot outside Cambridge Guildhall. Location Map: http://tinyurl.com/eo42r. As ever, volunteers to help very welcome - please email cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624 if you can make it.

+ 12th October - "Taking Liberties" +
Sunday, 12th October 8pm at 22 Jesus Lane, Cambridge CB5 8BQ. Doors open 7:30pm. Cambridge NO2ID and the Cafe Project (http://www.cafeproject.org/) are co-hosting a free showing of the acclaimed documentary "Taking Liberties". For more information on the film see http://www.noliberties.com/

+ Camden and Islington +

+ 1st September - Camden and Islington NO2ID Meeting +
Monday, 1st September at 8pm. We'll be at our new(ish) venue, The Castle, 54 Pentonville Road, London. We'll try and sit at the big table on the top level at the back of the pub - if not, just look for the table with the NO2ID flyers. Nearest tube is either Angel or Kings Cross. http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-2471.php

+ 6th September - Stall in Hackney +
Next stall is at the St Barnabas Fete in Mile End (together with the Hackney Group) on Saturday September 6th from 10am till 7pm. Help always welcome.

Contact Matty on camden@no2id.net if you'd like to join in with any activity or join the emailing list on http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.camden

+ Cromer +

+ 1st September - Cromer NO2ID Meeting (1st Monday of each month) +
Monday, 1st September at 7:30pm, at The White Horse Inn, West Street, Cromer.

+ Dorking +

+ 2nd September - Dorking NO2ID Meeting (1st Tuesday of Month)  +
Tuesday, 2nd September at 7.30pm at the Lincoln Arms. 

+ 6th, 13th, 20th September - Dorking NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th September - 3 street stalls in 3 weeks to maximise publicity of our “Question Time” public meeting.

+ 25th September - "Question Time" Public Meeting +
Thursday, 25th September at 8.00pm at the Christian Centre, St Martin’s Church, Dorking.  Local NO2ID’ers please come along to this event and make yourself known....bring a friend.

+ Dover +

+ 30th August - NO2ID Dover Street Stall +
Saturday, 30th August, from approx. 10am for at least a couple of hours (weather permitting) at the top of Biggin Street precinct (by Prince Albert pub)/in front of war memorial and Town Council office, near Town Hall.  As much help from supporters as possible welcome.

+ 30th August - NO2ID Gig Night (Live Music and NO2ID information) +
Saturday, 30th August at The Whole Earth Café, The Old High Street, Folkestone. The café will be open to the public with food and drink on sale. Help from supporters welcome. The lead act band will be “The Mercurials”.

+ Edinburgh +

Saturdays 1pm - 3pm - NO2ID Edinburgh street stall
Every week, weather permitting, you will find our campaigning stall at the east end of Princes Street, opposite the Balmoral Hotel.  Do drop by for a chat.  New volunteers - please contact John (edinburgh@no2id.net), and for more group information see http://www.no2id-scotland.net/edinburgh/

+ Epsom +

Epsom Group is newly formed and we still need a few more members and someone who could act as local coordinator. Next meeting tba.

+ 6th September - NO2ID Epsom Street Stall +
Saturday, 6th September between the Clocktower and the crossroads in the centre of town. With thanks to Dorking Group who are lending us their street stall kit. If you are a local member and haven’t got in touch, please come along and introduce yourself at the stall or contact epsom@no2id.net or Geoff on 01306 631377.

+ Glasgow +

Most Saturdays 2pm - NO2ID Glasgow street stall
Most Saturdays there are stalls in Glasgow city centre (usually Buchanan Street) from about 2pm. Volunteers are always welcome, please contact Geraint if you would like to help: glasgow@no2id.net

+ 2nd September - Glasgow NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 2nd September at 8pm in Mono, Kings St. Glasgow G1 5RB

+ Hackney +

+ 3rd September - Hackney NO2ID Meeting +
Wednesday, 3rd September 7pm at Pembury Tavern (junction of Amhurst Road /Dalston Lane / Pembury Road, E8). Through regular data losses, the Government is trying very hard to scupper its own IT projects. Come and discuss what you'd like to do in Hackney to help them along by defeating the ID scheme.

+ Kensignton & Chelsea +

+ 17th to 20th September 2008 - NO2ID Kensinton & Chelsea Stall +
Wednesday, 17th September to Saturday, 20th September Kensington and Chelsea NO2ID will have a stall at the Westbourne Grove Church, London W11 as part of the Life and Liberty Exhibition with film shows and speakers including Guy Herbert. For more details see (http://www.westbournegrovechurch.org/html/life_and_liberty.html). We will be selling mugs as well as handing out leaflets and asking for signatures. If any one would like to help please contact Jill Manasseh.

+ Leeds +

+ 4th September - Leeds NO2ID Meeting +
Thursday, 4th September at Leeds University Union, email leeds@no2id.net for more details.

+ Leicester +

During our recent leafletting we met someone who was given one of a set of pilot ID cards which were trialled in Leicester some 3 or 4 years ago. You will all doubtless be amused to know that, according to this chap, whenever it was scanned the iris print feature of his card kept identifying him as a young woman living in London... plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. Does anyone else have info on this kind of pilot project, or is this card of any interest to anyone?

+ 30th August - Leicester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 30th August from 1pm by the Clock Tower at Gallow Tree Gate. Anyone able to help out should email Jon or Avtar on (leicster@no2id.net). If you're not able to attend but are interested in the work of Leicester NO2ID, please join the mailing list at: http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.leicester

+ Manchester +

Manchester NO2ID has a very busy September coming up; you can check full details at http://manchester.no2id.net/event/2008/09/01/month
For updates and discussion, join the Manchester NO2ID mailing list at http://manchester.no2id.net/

+ 13th September - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 13th September 2pm-4pm in St. Ann's Square to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register. This is the last street stall before the Labour Party Conference and our Public Meeting, so an extra big presence is needed to inform as many people as possible. Just turn up in the square at the start time and look for the NO2ID stall. http://manchester.no2id.net/content/street-stall-september-2008

+ 17th September - Manchester NO2ID Meeting +
Wednesday, 17th September from 7pm-9pm in the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester . Sadly this venue is not wheelchair-accessible; please contact us on manchester@no2id.net if you have accessibility needs. This is our last meeting before the Labour Party Conference.

+ 20th September - "Defend Civil Liberties" March +
On Saturday 20th, Greater Manchester Stop The War Coalition is leading a march through Manchester as the Labour Party Conference opens, on three themes, one of which is "Defend Civil Liberties". If you're interested in joining a NO2ID bloc on the march please contact us on manchester@no2id.net - if we can get a dozen people marching under a NO2ID banner it'd look good.

+ 20th September - Round table gathering against Database State +
Saturday 20th, 4:30pm-6:30pm, at the Friends Meeting House, Mount Street (behind Central Library). As part of the Convention of the Left, NO2ID, Defy-ID and friends present a round-table gathering of organisations opposed to ID cards and the Database State to share information, develop tactics and network. With NO2ID local groups co-ordinator Matty Mitford, and northwest regional co-ordinator Dave Page.

+ 22nd-24th September - Manchester Students Against ID at Freshers Fair +
22nd-24th September, Manchester Students Against ID will be getting off to a strong start at Fresher's Fair, talking about the dangers of the National Identity Register to new students. We need volunteers for our stall - if you can spare a few hours to smile and hand out leaflets and badges, please sign up at http://doodle.ch/wr22xw3q84g2cer7

+ 22nd - 24th September - Manchester NO2ID at the Labour Party Conference +
22nd-24th September, Manchester NO2ID will be flyering conference delegates at the main security gate outside the Midland Hotel from 9am to 10am. If you can spare a bit of time before work, please drop by and grab a handful of flyers. Nearest Metrolink is St. Peter's Square; nearest train station is Oxford Road.

+ 22nd September - NO2ID Labour Conference Fringe Debate +
Monday 22nd September from 1pm-2pm at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. National NO2ID co-ordinator Phil Booth will be at the official fringe debate "National ID Cards - will they prevent underage sales?"

+ 23rd September - Manchester Public Meeting +
Tuesday 23rd September 7pm at the Reynolds Building, Sackville Street Campus, University of Manchester. Manchester NO2ID and the Manchester branch of the British Computer Society present "Privacy and Security in the Database State", a public meeting. All welcome. Speakers include national NO2ID co-ordinator Phil Booth.

+ Mold +

+ 8th September - 1st NO2ID Mold Meeting (1st Monday of every month after that)+
Monday, 8th September at Y Delyn Wine Bar, King Street, Mold, CH7 1LA. Contact Sophie McKeand on mold@no2id.net or join the mailing list at: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.mold

+ Selby +

Selby's NO2ID song still going strong
The 2 postings of Selby's NO2ID song now have over 2,600 youtube viewings. Anyone interested can view at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9HsnIGuHQQ - please pass along, it's had good responses up to now.

+ 6th September - Selby NO2ID Street Stall, York +
Saturday, 6th September 10.30am, meet Parliament Street.

+ 13th September - Selby NO2ID Street Stall, Pontefract +
Saturday, 13th September - time & place to be confirmed.

+ 16th September - Selby NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 16th September 8pm at the Blue Bell, Monk Fryston.

+ Southampton +

+ 3rd September - Southampton NO2ID Meeting (1st Wednesday of the month) +
Wednesday 3rd September 8pm at the Dolphin pub, Osborne Road South, Southampton (next to St Denys train station). All are welcome.

+ Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells+

Stalls continue frequently in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. If you want to have a taster of debating on the street alongside the more battle-hardened members do drop us a line at tunbridge.wells@no2id.net and we'll be delighted to find you a place on the rota. It's good fun and rewarding to see passers by reactions as they learn the facts.

+ 30th September - Street Stall Tunbridge Wells +
Saturday, 30th September in Tunbridge Wells on the pedestrian precinct. If you want to just meet some of the NO2ID crowd drop by and say hello - you certainly don't have to take part in the stall if it's not your thing.

+ 16th October - "The Database State" debate +
Thursday, 16th October at The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells. This is an open public debate between students of TWGGS and Skinners, at which invited "witnesses" (so far - Phil Booth and Daniel Zeichner) will be questioned by the students under the chairmanship of Greg Clark MP. We thank The Right Hon Meg Hillier and her secretaries for actively considering for the past 6 weeks our invitation to her to participate; we hope very much that she will feel up to the challenge of an open, public and independent debate on her portfolio topic and government policy. Watch this space.

+ Watford +

+ 2nd September - Watford NO2ID 1st Meeting +
Tuesday, 2nd September 7.15pm at the Estcourt Tavern pub, Estcourt Rd, WD1 2PY (parallel to Clarendon Rd, just up from Watford Junction rail station). Everyone is welcome, newcomer or not, curious or committed. Please bring a friend. For further details feel free to contact Emma Simmons on (watford@no2id.net). If you're unable to attend, but are interested in the activity of the group, please join the local mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.watford

What just happened?

+ Border Agency Plan reveals latest ID scheme details +

Last week the UK Border Agency published a new Action Plan entitled 'A Strong New Force at the Border'. The document lays out the government's vision of "securing the border". Part of this plan is the introduction of ID cards for foreign nationals. The plan states that by 2011 "30% of resident foreign nationals [will] have an ID card", and furthermore that also in 2011 students and young people will be "given the opportunity to get identity cards". The document also hints at the ability to revoke 'privileges' of those enrolled in the ID scheme: "We will issue ID cards to foreign nationals to help deny the privileges of Britain to those who break the rules". What is clear is that the powers that the Border Agency claim will "secure our border" are in reality about the mass-surveillance of travellers, and the data collected will be shared with other agencies and governments.
Read the report at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/astrongnewforceattheborder/strongnewforce.pdf?view=Binary

+ Calls for Data Sharing disguised as census bashing +

The New Local Government Network (NLGN) has produced a report "Local Counts - The future of the census". At first the report looks like a straightforward criticism of the cost of the census: "£500 million of public money could be wasted on the next census," says the NLGN. However the solution they put forward is more databases and data-sharing. The NLGN is wrong to suggest that the census be replaced by information sharing and use of more government databases to compile census-like information. No replacement is required. Millions would be saved, and privacy protected far better, if the government just used some simple sampling research.
See http://www.nlgn.org.uk/public/wp-content/uploads/local-counts.pdf

+ The malign power of platitudes +

Whenever doubts about nationwide computerised health records or DNA banks or ID cards or biometric passports come up, someone will smugly say: “If you’ve done nothing wrong you’ve nothing to worry about.” Read more at http://www.no2id.net/newsblog/?p=929

"ID" in the news

+ Selling addresses from electoral roll to junk mail companies harming democracy - The Times 26/8/08 +
Junk mail companies should not be allowed to buy names and addresses from the electoral register, polling officers believe.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4608326.ece

+ Child protection database 'will be used to prosecute young people' - The Telegraph 26/8/08 +
A flagship database intended to protect every child in the country will be used by police to hunt for evidence of crime in a "shocking" extension of its original purpose, The Daily Telegraph has learned.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2621163/Child-protection-database-will-be-used-to-prosecute-young-people.html

+ Police hunting criminals will have access to child database - The Times 26/8/08 +
Police are to be given access to the Government’s new children’s database, which is designed to protect every child in England from the risk of harm or abuse, in order to search for evidence of criminal activity.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article4609088.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797084

+ Consultants who lost data are working on ID cards - The Independent 23/8/08 +
The Home Office contractor which lost a computer memory stick containing the details of 84,000 prisoners is at the heart of developing the Government's controversial compulsory identity cards system.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/consultants-who-lost-data-are-working-on-id-cards-906531.html

+ Prisoner data breach firm paid £100m - silicon.com 22/8/08 +
The management consultancy firm at the centre of the latest government data breach storm has been paid almost £100m over three years for its services by the Home Office and its agencies, with individual consultants from the company being charged to the department at an average of more than £1,000 per day
http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39274258,00.htm

+ Most youth ID cards delayed until 2011 - Kable 20/8/08 +
The Home Office will wait until 2011 to issue the 'vast majority' of identity cards to students and young people. The National Identity Scheme Delivery Plan, issued by the Home Office in March, said: "We will offer identity cards to young people in 2010 to assist them in proving their identity as they, for example, open their first bank account, take out a student loan or start employment."
http://www.kablenet.com/kd.nsf/Frontpage/F9509DA3BA40F939802574AB00355FC9?OpenDocument

+ Personal details of 4 million lost by Whitehall in just one year - The Telegraph 20/8/08 +
Sensitive data for more than four million people was lost by Government departments in the past year, on top of the high profile loss of child benefit records.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2587380/Personal-details-of-4-million-lost-by-Whitehall-in-just-one-year.html

+ ID card 'propaganda' backfires as students revolt - The Times 18/8/08 +
Trust Britain’s youth to be characteristically ungrateful. The Government goes to all the effort of making a website for 16 to 25- year-olds to express their views on identity cards, and all they get in return is a solid mixture of scorn, sneering and scepticism smattered across their fancy new forums.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/student/article4513723.ece

+ ID card scheme could be blighted by bad fingerprints - The Telegraph 15/8/08 +
Home Office ministers have been told that it is "hard to obtain good quality fingerprints" from people over the age of 75, because the ridges on the pads of their fingers are not well defined enough to be read by an automatic scanner. This means the integrity of the national identity scheme, which depends on ten prints being collected from everyone in Britain over 16, may be compromised.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/2562643/ID-card-scheme-could-be-blighted-by-bad-fingerprints.html

+ NHS database awaits legal diagnosis - The First Post 12/8/08 +
Government IT projects have a pretty poor reputation. They turn up late, cost twice as much as you expect, and don't work when they arrive. But the NHS looks set to go one better. Legal experts are warning that its £6bn database could actually breach your human rights.
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/45094,opinion,recent-eu-court-judgment-could-scupper-the-6bn-nhs-patient-database

+ The dirty secret of your NHS - Daily Mail 24/7/08 +
Under the pretence of recycling, NHS computers have been dumped in Ghana, where their hard drives are mined of your confidential data by criminal gangs... while children die melting down the highly toxic empty shells.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/moslive/article-1033832/The-Dirty-Secret-Your-NHS.html

(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) ) ]]> http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=105 NO2ID Newsletter 104 http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=104 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:01 GMT ++ NO2ID AT THE PARTY CONFERENCES ++

 

Once again NO2ID will be holding fringe meetings at the party conferences taking place this year, which will take place in September/October.  We will be holding a TUC fringe meeting in Brighton on Monday 8th September at the Brighthelm Centre, chaired by our Union Liaison Christina Zaba. We have a presence at the Green conference and our General Secretary, Guy Herbert, will be speaking at fringe meetings at the Liberal Democrat and UKIP conferences, both in Bournemouth. At the Conservative conference in Birmingham we have a stall (highly prized, now the Conservatives are widely seen as winners by lobbyists) on the Home Affairs day, and we will be at the Labour conference in Manchester.

Volunteers for all these events are needed. If you are available to help at one or other English Party conference please contact office@no2id.net or the relevant NO2ID local group. If you can help at Scottish Party conferences please contact NO2ID Scotland (scotland@no2id.net), and we would be delighted to hear from people involved in Welsh or Irish politics (particularly the latter where our contacts need developing) - email (office@no2id.net).

Conference details:

Green: 5th - 8th September, School of Oriental and African Studies, London
UKIP: 5th - 6th September, Bournemouth International Centre
TUC Congress: 8th - 11th September, Brighton Centre
Plaid Cymru: 11th - 13th September, Arts Centre, Aberystwyth
Liberal Democrats: 13th - 17th September, Bournemouth International Centre
SNP: 16th - 19th September, Perth Concert Hall
Labour: 20th - 24th September, Manchester Central (formerly GMEX)
Conservatives: 28th September - 1st October, Birmingham International Convention Centre

What's next? 

 

+ 14th August - NO2ID London Social +
We will be having another NO2ID social on Thursday 14th August 2008 from 6.30pm.
It will be at The Old Crown, 33 New Oxford Street, WC1H 1BH (please note, it's not at The Crown but The *Old* Crown). Meet the organisers, ask questions, get involved, have a pint. Everyone is welcome whether a member, supporter, sympathiser or even Home Office minister.
Enquires to Harry Metcalf: london@no2id.net

+ Consultation on Data Retention Directive +
The government has launched a consultation on the Electronic Communications Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations. Responses should be sent by 31st October by e-mail to commsdata@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Andrew Knight, Home Office, 5th Floor, Peel Building, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.
See http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2008-transposition?view=Binary

+ 8th September — NO2ID at TUC Congress +
Monday, 8th September at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1YD. NO2ID will be holding a fringe meeting to discuss the imminent impact of the ID scheme and what can be done about it. Chair: Christina Zaba, NO2ID Union Liaison. Speakers: TBC. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

We now have local groups in 44 of the 69 proposed locations for interrogation centres - of which just 3 have yet to open. Parliamentary answers indicate that the most active centres are: Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Peterborough and Sheffield.

For information on your nearest interrogation centre, see www.no2id.net/getInvolved/idCentres.php. If you can help set up a local group in one of the remaining locations, or anywhere else in the UK, please contact Matty on local.groups@no2id.net

+ Bradford +

+ 10th September - Bradford NO2ID Meeting (2nd Wednesday of the month) +
Every second Wednesday of the month 6:30pm at Bradford Resource Centre, 17-21 Chapel Street, Bradford, BD1 5DT.

+ Brighton +
 
+ 16th August - Brighton NO2ID at The Brunswick Festival +
Saturday, 16th August 11am to 6pm Brighton NO2ID are having a stall at The Brunswick Festival, Brunswick Square, Hove.  The festival includes live bands, a variety of stalls, including food stalls and a beer tent and is free!

+ Cambridge +

+ 23rd August - NO2ID Cambridge Stall +
Saturday, 23rd August at 10am in the usual spot outside Cambridge Guildhall. Location Map: http://tinyurl.com/eo42r. As ever, volunteers to help very welcome - please email cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624 if you can make it.

+ 3rd - September NO2ID pub meeting (1st Wednesday of each month) +
Wednesday, 3rd September 7.30pm at the Salisbury Arms, 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb1+2dw). For more details contact cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624.

+ Dorking +

Meetings every first Tuesday at the Lincoln Arms by Dorking mainline station, 7.30pm all welcome.  Next events – street stalls in Guildford and Dorking.

+ 25th September - “Are your privacy and freedom under threat?” Debate +
Thursday, 25th September 8.00pm  at The Christian Centre, St Martin’s Church, Dorking, with Sir Paul Beresford MP, Edgar Whitely (LSE) and surprise guest.

+ Dover +

+ 30th August - NO2ID Dover Street Stall +
Saturday, 30th August, from approx. 10am for at least a couple of hours (weather permitting) at the top of Biggin Street precinct (by Prince Albert pub)/in front of war memorial and Town Council office, near Town Hall.  As much help from supporters as possible welcome.

+ 30th August - NO2ID Gig Night (Live Music and NO2ID information) +
Saturday, 30th August at The Whole Earth Café, The Old High Street, Folkestone. The café will be open to the public with food and drink on sale. Help from supporters welcome. The lead act band will be “The Mercurials”.

+ Edinburgh +

Edinburgh Festival play about ID cards
Kali Theatre will be performing 'Another Paradise' at Venue 112 (clubWest, Nicolson Street) until 25th August. The play is set in Leamington Spa "at a time when Identity Cards are compulsory and people are validated only by their digital ID in the National Identity Database". Described as "a witty and satirical look at a highly controversial government policy that will soon have a deep and far reaching effect on our everyday lives". Booking info at: (http://www.edfringe.com/shows/detail.php? action=shows&id=716).  According to Edinburgh NO2ID coordinator, John Welford:  "This is  a brilliant show - well informed about ID card issues, lively acted  and well produced.  Definitely not to be missed!"

Saturdays 1pm - 3pm - NO2ID Edinburgh street stall
Every week, weather permitting, you will find our campaigning stall at the east end of Princes Street, opposite the Balmoral Hotel.  Do drop by for a chat.  New volunteers - please contact John (edinburgh@no2id.net), and for more group information see http://www.no2id-scotland.net/edinburgh/

+ Epsom +

+ 20th August - Epsom NO2ID Meeting +
Wednesday, 20th August at the Assembly Rooms (Weatherspoons) High Street, Epsom at 7.30pm. The second meeting of Epsom, all welcome, bring a friend.  In early September we will hold an Epsom street stall to raise awareness and get new members.

+ Glasgow +

Most Saturdays 2pm - NO2ID Glasgow street stall
Most Saturdays there are stalls in Glasgow city centre (usually Buchanan Street) from about 2pm. Volunteers are always welcome, please contact Geraint if you would like to help: glasgow@no2id.net

+ Leicester +

+ 30th August - Leicester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 30th August from 1pm by the Clock Tower at Gallow Tree Gate. Anyone able to help out should email Jon or Avtar on (leicster@no2id.net). If you're not able to attend but are interested in the work of Leicester NO2ID, please join the mailing list at: http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.leicester

+ Leeds +

+ 16th August - Leeds NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 16th August on Briggate from 1-3pm. If you fancy comming along to lend a hand contact leeds@no2id.net
 
+ 21st August - Leeds NO2ID Planning Meeting +
Thursday, 21st August from 7-9pm at the Peanut Social Centre on University of Leeds Campus. Contact leeds@no2id.net for further details

+ Maidstone +

+ 21st August - Maidstone NO2ID Inaugural Meeting +
Thursday, 21st August 6.30pm at Muggleton Inn, 8-9 High Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HJ. All welcome. Please bring a friend. Further details: Adrienne Margolis on (maidstone@no2id.net). If you're unable to attend but are interested in the activity of the group please join the Maidstone mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.maidstone

+ Manchester +

+ 13th September - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 13th September 2pm-4pm in St. Ann's Square to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register.

+ Mold +

+ 8th September - 1st NO2ID Mold Meeting (1st Monday of every month after that)+
Monday, 8th September at Y Delyn Wine Bar, King Street, Mold, CH7 1LA. Contact Sophie McKeand on mold@no2id.net or join the mailing list at: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.mold

+ Southampton +

+ 16th August - Southampton NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday 16th August - street stall outside Waitrose, Portswood Road, Southampton, from about 1.30am-2.30pm. If you would like to help out on the stall, please contact Michael, runninginthedark@gmail.com.

+ 3rd September - Southampton NO2ID Meeting (1st Wednesday of the month) +
Wednesday 3rd September 8pm at the Dolphin pub, Osborne Road South, Southampton (next to St Denys train station). Southampton NO2ID's monthly meeting. All are welcome.

+ Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells+

Stalls continue apace in both Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells. If you are interested in being involved then email and let us know - it's good fun and you get to know the arguments extremely well!

+ 16th October - Database State debate +
Thursday, 16th October at The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells, where students of Skinners and also of neighbouring school TWGGS will debate and call witnesses. Meg Hillier's secretaries are still unsure after much correspondence as to whether she will be able to make it or not. Will she, won't she, will she, won't she defend government policy in an open public debate given that her diary is still not fixed for that evening? We are most grateful to Daniel Zeichner and Phil Booth for kindly agreeing to argue their cases. The level of debate in these schools excels - it should be fun - put it in your diary!

+ Watford +

+ 2nd September - Watford NO2ID 1st Meeting +
Tuesday, 2nd September 7.15pm at the Estcourt Tavern pub, Estcourt Rd, WD1 2PY (parallel to Clarendon Rd, just up from Watford Junction rail station). Everyone is welcome, newcomer or not, curious or committed. Please bring a friend. For further details feel free to contact Emma Simmons on (watford@no2id.net). If you're unable to attend, but are interested in the activity of the group, please join the local mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.watford

What just happened?

+ E-Passports Cracked Again +

Back in 2006 NO2ID worked with security expert Adam Laurie to demonstrate insecurities in the new ‘ePassport’ that has been issued by the UK Identity and Passport Service since then. The passport contains a chip which holds information about the passport holder. Laurie was able to read data from an e-passport without even taking it out of the envelope it was delivered in. Now a Dutch hacker, Jeroen van Beek, has shown that it is possible to create a fake chip, which could then be put it in a legitimate passport. Last month 3,000 blank e-passports were stolen from the back of a van. The e-passport is a worldwide standard created by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after pressure from the United States in 2001. Since their introduction the chipped passports have been the subject of much controversy. The new passports were introduced in the UK under royal prerogative (without the need of consultation, debate or legislation). If the government want the UK ID card to act as a "passport lite" then they will put the same chip into the cards. The Identity and Passport service have also talked about storing fingerprints on the chip - claiming that it is necessary to comply with Europe and/or International Standards. As we have reported previously fingerprints are not part of any standard with which the government must comply.

+ Government responds to 'A Surveillance Society?' report +

The government has released its response to the Home Affairs Committee's 'A surveillance society?' inquiry which produced its report in June (see NO2ID Newsletter 100). On their widespread data-sharing agenda the government says that there are safeguards in the Data Protection Act and: "As this has already been debated in Parliament, we do not feel that a Parliamentary debate is required every time these principles are applied to a new Government proposal". On Biometrics linked to the National Identity Register the response says: "Biometric information will be encrypted from the moment it is enrolled right through to the Register" - this is an interesting claim in light of the cracking of the e-passport. Meanwhile the response tries to allay fears about ContactPoint, the database that will hold details of every child in England, by saying that it will "be like a computer based phone book".
Read the response at: http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm74/7449/7449.pdf

+ New novel looks as the Database State +

Bestselling author Jeffery Deaver has written a new novel that takes a look at the ever growing Database State. In 'The Broken Window' Deaver uses the threat of government databases as the main basis for the book. Deaver even ends the novel with some notes to assist readers in making contact with anti-ID organisations, and recommends 'No Place to Hide', by Robert O'Harrow Jr (See www.noplacetohide.net). Deaver is best known for his Lincoln Rhyme novels (one of which was turned into the film 'The Bone Collector' starring Denzel Washington). Hopefully the book will help to make a larger audience aware of the some of the issues we are campaigning against.

"ID" in the news

 

+ Government publishes new, wider Data Retention Regulations - Out-Law 14/8/08 +
The Government has published a draft law that mandates the retention of data by internet service providers (ISPs) and telecoms companies. The proposed Regulations will replace an earlier law that applied to non-internet data only.
http://www.out-law.com/page-9350

+ Spy fear over e-mail check planA computer keyboard - BBC News Online 13/8/08 +
Plans to give local councils and other public bodies the power to monitor e-mail and internet traffic have been branded a "snoopers' charter".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7557963.stm

+ Health bodies could access communication logs - e-Health Insider 13/8/08 +
Public bodies, including health authorities, could be able to access information about all personal calls and internet use under proposals from the Home Office.
http://www.e-health-insider.com/news/4055/health_bodies_could_access_communication_logs

+ Irish bus pass is ‘identity card by stealth’ - The Times 10/8/08 +
The new travel pass could evolve to let the state watch our every move. In Ireland, the “soft” introduction of the public services card has caused barely a stir.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article4493788.ece

+ Scots schoolchildren to be fingerprinted in controversial ID scheme - Glasgow Sunday Mail 10/8/08 +
More than 8000 pupils are to have their fingerprints taken so they can be tracked by teachers. Controversial biometric fingerprinting will be introduced to eight secondary schools in the biggest experiment of its type in Scotland.  But parents yesterday attacked the scheme, saying there are few controls over who can access the fingerprint database.
http://tinyurl.com/6qwcqx

+ E-Passports Signed, Sealed, Delivered -- But Not Like You May Think - Wired 8/8/08 +
Two years ago security researcher Lukas Grunwald showed how the chips in new electronic passports could easily be cloned. Grunwald's attack, however, was limited in that he hadn't found a way to alter data on the tag in a manner that could not be detected. Data on passport chips is hashed and digitally signed by the issuing country. Changing data on the passport chip would change the hash, indicating that the chip had been manipulated and thus invalidating it.
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/08/e-passports-cra.html

+ Passports: This isn’t supposed to happen: how a baby became bin Laden - The Times 6/8/08 +
Jeroen van Beek takes the passport of a 16-month-old British boy and puts it on to a £40 smartcard reader the size of an iPod. He punches a code into his computer and, within seconds, the information contained in the passport’s microchip appears on screen.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article4467098.ece

+ Big problems hit Royal Free's Cerner care records roll-out - ComputerWeekly 5/8/08 +
Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, whose staff treat 500,000 patients a year from around the world, has run into "significant" problems including system crashes, delays booking patient appointments and data missing in records. 
http://tinyurl.com/5ryp39

(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )  

]]> http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=104 NO2ID Newsletter 103 http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=103 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:01 GMT ++ ALL CHARGES AGAINST NO2ID PROTESTORS DROPPED ++ 

Last week the Procurator Fiscal (Scottish public prosecutor) dropped all charges against the nine NO2ID campaigners who were arrested in Edinburgh at the end of June. The nine were arrested after they staged a peaceful protest at an invitation only Home Office so-called "public consultation" and were due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff's Court on 24th July; but just hours before the hearing the case was closed and all charges were dropped.

The campaigners would like to thank everyone who sent messages of good will and money to support their legal defence. Leftover funds will be used to help NO2ID continue to campaign against the national identity scheme.

 

+ GOVERNMENT MAKE CLAIM OF UNION BACKING FOR ID CARDS +

 

The government claimed this week that "the unions have backed ID cards". The declaration came after Labour’s National Policy Forum held at the University of Warwick. However we'd like to know precisely what that "backing" consists of.

Several large unions have been very sceptical in the past, some are actually affiliated to NO2ID and a few of the others have previously shown an interest in affiliation. Last week members of the Public and Commercial Service Union staged strikes at passport offices around the country, blaming ID cards software for passport service job cuts. Whilst unions representing airline workers have expressed their opposition to issuing ID cards to airport workers next year. So what is this so called backing?

If you are a union members perhaps you can ask your union if they were consulted and if not why not?

The TUC conference will take place in Brighton 8th - 11th September at the Brighton Centre and we intend to have a NO2ID presence there. Our Union Liaison, Christina Zaba (union.liaison@no2id.net) has written a piece in the current edition of Modern Government highlighting the fact that the Identity Cards Act 2006 introduces sentences of up to 10 years for taking industrial action affecting the register. If you can help us at the TUC conference or you have further information from your union on the "backing" then please contact Christina at union.liaison@no2id.net

What's next? 

 

+ 1st August - 'Dorothy Night' exploring Identity - Royal Festival Hall +
Friday, 1st August 10pm at the Royal Festival Hall (Clore Ballroom), free admission. A collaboration between Nathan Evans and David Hoyle as part of a series of 'Dorothy Nights' to accompany the main house production of The Wizard Of Oz. Amongst other things it will involve an Emerald City which - in a distortion of gatekeeper scenes of the film - is only enterable with ID cards. Punters can choose to print a card with a 'faceless bureaucrat' to enter the main auditorium past the armed guard, stay on the peripheries or infiltrate the city 'illegally'. We will, of course, be encouraging them to destroy these cards later in the show and perhaps even sign the NO2ID pledge.

+ 14th August - NO2ID London Social +
We will be having another NO2ID social on Thursday 14th August 2008 from 6.30pm.
It will be at The Old Crown, 33 New Oxford Street, WC1H 1BH. (please note, it's not at The Crown but The *Old* Crown). Meet the organisers, ask questions, get involved, have a pint. Everyone is welcome whether a member, supporter, sympathiser or even Home Office minister.
Enquires to Harry Metcalf: london@no2id.net

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

We now have local groups in 44 of the 69 proposed locations for interrogation centres - of which just 3 have yet to open. Parliamentary answers indicate that the most active centres are: Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Peterborough and Sheffield.

For information on your nearest interrogation centre, see www.no2id.net/getInvolved/idCentres.php. If you can help set up a local group in one of the remaining locations, or anywhere else in the UK, please contact Matty on local.groups@no2id.net

+ Bradford +

+ 13th August - Bradford NO2ID Meeting (2nd Wednesday of the month) +
Every second Wednesday of the month 6:30pm at Bradford Resource Centre, 17-21 Chapel Street, Bradford, BD1 5DT.

+ Bristol +

+ 6th August - Bristol NO2ID meeting +
Wednesday, 6th August 7-8pm at White Bear on St Michael's Hill. Come and meet your friendly local campaigners. If you'd like to keep up to date with what the Bristol group is getting up to, please join the mailing list at http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.bristol

+ Cambridge +

+ 2nd August - NO2ID Cambridge Stall +
Saturday, 2nd August at 10am in the usual spot outside Cambridge Guildhall. Location Map: http://tinyurl.com/eo42r. As ever, volunteers to help very welcome - please email cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624 if you can make it.

+ 6th August - Cambridge NO2ID pub meeting (1st Wednesday of each month) +
Wednesday, 6th August 7.30pm at the Salisbury Arms, 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb1+2dw). For more details contact cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624.

+ Camden & Islington +

+ 3rd August - Camden and Islington NO2ID Stall +
Sunday, 3rd August 10am-2pm at Islington Farmers Market. Contact Matty on camden@no2id.net if you can attend.

+ 4th August - Camden and Islington NO2ID Meeting +
Monday, 4th August at 8pm. We'll be at our new(ish) venue, The Castle, 54 Pentonville Road, London. We'll try and sit at the big table on the top level at the back of the pub - if not just look for the table with the NO2ID flyers. Nearest tube is either Angel or Kings Cross. (http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-2471.php)

+ Dorking +

+ 5th August - Dorking NO2ID Meeting (1st Tuesday of month) +
Tuesday, 5th August 7.30pm at the Lincoln Arms by Dorking mainline station. Street stalls, a public meeting and a local council motion against ID are all ongoing.  New members are always welcome.

+ 25th September - Question Time on ID Cards and the Database State +
We have 2 guest speakers to put the case against ID Cards at our Sept 25th public meeting (Paul Beresford MP and Dr Edgar Whitley of the LSE), but still none to put the case against. 

+ Edinburgh +

Edinburgh Festival play about ID cards
Kali Theatre will be performing 'Another Paradise' at Venue 112 (clubWest, Nicolson Street) from 3rd-25th August. The play is set in Leamington Spa "at a time when Identity Cards are compulsory and people are validated only by their digital ID in the National Identity Database". Described as "a witty and satirical look at a highly controversial government policy that will soon have a deep and far reaching effect on our everyday lives".
More info at http://www.kalitheatre.co.uk/whatson/Another_Paradise.htm

Saturdays 1pm - 3pm - NO2ID Edinburgh street stall
Every week, weather permitting, you will find our campaigning stall at the east end of Princes Street, opposite the Balmoral Hotel.  Do drop by for a chat.  New volunteers - please contact John (edinburgh@no2id.net), and for more group information see http://www.no2id-scotland.net/edinburgh/

+ Epsom +

+ 20th August - Epsom NO2ID Meeting +
Wednesday, 20th August 7.30pm at the Assembly Rooms (Weatherspoons) High Street, Epsom to discuss finding a group coordinator and to fix a date for a street stall in early September.

+ Glasgow +

+ 5th August - Glasgow NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 5th August at 8pm in Mono. All welcome.

Most Saturdays 2pm - NO2ID Glasgow street stall
Most Saturdays there are stalls in Glasgow city centre (usually Buchanan Street) from about 2pm. Volunteers are always welcome, please contact Geraint if you would like to help: glasgow@no2id.net

+ Hackney +

6th August - Hackney NO2ID Meeting
Wednesday, 6th August 7pm at The Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road, London, E8 1JH. If you'd like to keep up to date with what the Hackney group is getting up to, please join the mailing list at http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.hackney-and-shoreditch

+ Manchester +

Manchester NO2ID sponsored the "Freed Up" poetry night at the Green Room, which led to a fantastic evening of poems on the theme of Identity. Video from the event should be available soon.
http://manchester.no2id.net/content/freed-poetry-night-manchester

+ 9th August - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 9th August 1pm-5pm in St. Ann's Square to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register. This month, we're going to try splitting into two shifts - a 1-3pm "early" shift and a 3-5pm "late" shift, to get more presence and coverage through the day. Pick a shift you're likely to make and if we can get at least four volunteers for each shift we'll make a whole day of it! Simply enter your name (or a pseudonym) and choose a shift at: http://www.doodle.ch/vgurr73b5in6mvdh

+ 13th August - Manchester NO2ID Monthly Meeting +
Wednesday,  13th August, 7pm-9pm in the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester. Sadly, this venue is not wheelchair-accessible; please contact us on manchester@no2id.net if you have accessibility needs. This month, due to a double booking, we will be meeting in side area just off the main bar rather than in our usual function room. See minutes of our previous meetings at http://manchester.no2id.net/taxonomy/term/5

+ Oxford +

+ 2nd August - NO2ID Oxford Street Stall +
Saturday, 2nd August from around 12 noon for a couple of hours, on Cornmarket, Oxford. As usual, helpers are very welcome.  All you need to do is hand out a few leaflets and direct people to sign our petition.  You don't need to tell us you are coming, but it helps with planning. For more, contact Jim (gadjie at gmail.com) who is coordinating this.

+ 7th August - NO2ID Meeting +
Thursday, 7th August (back on the first Thursday of the month) 8pm at the Mitre on the High Street to discuss the next steps in our campaign.

+ Southampton +

+ 6th August - Southampton NO2ID Meeting  (1st Wednesday of the month) +
Wednesday, 6th August 8pm at the Dolphin pub, Osbourne Road South, Southampton (next to St Denys train station). All are welcome.

+ Thanet +

+ 2nd August - Thanet NO2ID Meeting +
Saturday, 2nd August 4.00pm at Morelli's Capuccino cafe, 14 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs. Totally informal get together. We are a small group, so new faces welcome. this is a chance to chat and swap notes. Details on the blog: http://thanet-no2id.blogspot.com/ . All future meetings will be be listed under "Upcoming meeting" on the side bar. 

What just happened?

+ Human Genetics Commission calls for innocent to be removed from DNA Database +

The Human Genetics Commission has published a report of their "Citizens’ Inquiry into the Forensic Use of DNA and the National DNA Database (NDAD)". The report lays out 29 core recommendations, the first of which is the "need for a nationwide public awareness campaign about the NDNAD that will reach all sections of the population". The inquiry felt that there "should be an independent body with broad membership, constituted by statue specifically to oversee the NDNAD". The majority of participants also concluded "that there should be harmonisation between approaches in Scotland, and England and Wales, and that the Scottish approach should be favoured". In Scotland innocent people are taken off the database and they do not record ethnicity.
The report can de downloaded at: http://www.hgc.gov.uk/Client/document.asp?DocId=158&CAtegoryId=8

+ Information Commissioner releases Annual Report +

The Information Commissioner's annual report has been published, which looks back at data protection and freedom of information issues over the last year. In relation to proposals by the government to construct a database holding the details of the telephone and internet communications of the entire population the report says: "Any such scheme would require the fullest public debate to establish whether, whatever the benefits, it amounted to excessive surveillance as a step too far for the British way of life".
The report can be downloaded at: www.ico.gov.uk/Home/about_us/what_we_do/corporate_information/annual_reports.aspx

+ Song speaks out against loss of liberties in UK +

A song lamenting the loss of privacy and the loss of liberty in Britain today has been written by singer/songwriter James Neilson Graham. The song is entitled 'Oh What a Liberty!' and uses satire to address issues such as CCTV and ID cards. James tells us that the song (which is copyright) is in line to be revised and re-cast.
Listen to the track online at: http://www.esnips.com/doc/3e9505db-1ffd-46e6-a33e-ea3654cad92d/01-Track-1

+ We’re not fundamentalists - personal information deserves respect +

NO2ID's Guy Herbert writes in The Guardian, responding to an article arguing that the state has an automatic right to our personal information:
http://www.no2id.net/newsblog/?p=909

"ID" in the news

 

+ Implied consent set to be scrapped for SCR - e-Health Insider 30/7/08 +
The implied consent model for the Summary Care Record (SCR) looks set to be scrapped in favour of a simpler consent model following a recommendation from Connecting for Health’s advisory group.
http://www.e-health-insider.com/news/4012/implied_consent_set_to_be_scrapped_for_scr

+ Hungarian Roma MEP defends Italian fingerprinting idea - Politics.Hu 30/7/08 +
Livia Jaroka, a Hungarian MEP of Roma origin, defended the Italian government's decision to fingerprint the Roma residing in illegal camps in Italy. In her view, the fingerprinting will enable Italian authorities to provide immigrants, including children, with personal identification documents.
http://www.politics.hu/20080730/hungarian-roma-mep-defends-italian-fingerprinting-idea

+ Britain tightens visa rules for foreign students - The Economic Times 30/7/08 +
Britain on Wednesday unveiled stricter visa rules under which students from India and other non-European countries will require to provide their fingerprints and prove that they have money to support themselves.
http://tinyurl.com/5zbtcf

+ Blank robbers swipe 3,000 'fraud-proof' UK passports - The Register 29/7/08 +
A consignment of 3,000 "useless" blank biometric passports has been stolen on its way to British embassies throughout the world. Or at least, the Identity & Passport Service says they're useless. IPS' claim is based on the standard, highly optimistic party line that, as the passports contain a chip, they can't be used to produce fake passports.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/29/biometric_passport_heist/

+ Checks between North and rest of UK on way - Irish Times 28/7/08 +
People travelling between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom will be subjected to stiffer identity checks before the end of the year, British officials have told the Government.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0728/1217013340820.html

+ All air passengers to give their fingerprints … but is the reason security or simply to raise profits for the duty-free shops? - Daily Mail 27/7/08 +
Millions of passengers flying from British airports will be fingerprinted from next year under the latest controversial Government anti-terror plans. The measures, which will apply to both domestic and international passengers, are being introduced despite opposition from the Information Commissioner, Britain’s privacy watchdog.
http://tinyurl.com/56trzl

+ UK identity card shenanigans upheld - The Inquirer 25/7/08 +
An attempt to force the government to publish the feasibility studies for its infamous Identity Card Scheme has been swatted down by the High Court. The Court upheld government appeals against a decision by the Information Tribunal last year that the feasibility studies should be published.
http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/07/24/id-card-shenanigans

+ ID cards software 'to blame for passport service job cuts' - ComputerWorldUK 23/7/08 +
The union representing passport service workers has slammed the planned roll out of automated passport and ID cards processing as it has lead to job cut plans at the Identity and Passport Service agency.
http://tinyurl.com/66e6su

+ Details of Oyster card hack to be made public - The Times 21/7/08 +
Details of a computer hack which allowed researchers to clone identity cards that are used by million of people to access buildings and travel on public transport are to be published.
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4373717.ece

+ Unions line up against airline ID cards - The Register 21/7/08 +
Unions representing airline and airport staff are to tell Home Secretary Jacqui Smith that her plan to force staff to carry ID cards will add nothing to airport security.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/21/airport_id_cards/

(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )  

]]> http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=103 NO2ID Newsletter 102 http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=102 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:01 GMT ++ TAKE A STAND AGAINST THE DATABASE STATE ++ Over the last few weeks the Database State has been a topic of discussion on radio talk shows and in newspaper editorials, thanks in large part to the resignation and re-election of David Davis MP. But just one day after Davis' victory a review of data sharing was published that ignored the Database State and encouraged the government to remove legal barriers to data sharing. Clearly we still have a lot to do.

On the plus side, a growing number of people are beginning to realise that the only way to stop abuse of your confidential information is not to give it to the authorities in the first place. If enough people say *now*, "No, I will not cooperate", then the ID system simply cannot be implemented.

The NO2ID Pledge is a way of publicly declaring that you will not cooperate with the government seizure of personal identity. To make the pledge simply sign a pledge form and get the signature of a witness. Then display the pledge form somewhere that other people can see it - hopefully this will encourage friends and family to ask about the pledge and you can then encourage them to take the pledge too.

If you haven't done so already and you want to resist, please make the NO2ID Pledge - NO2ID Pledge certificates and instructions can be downloaded from www.no2id.net/pledge

The NO2ID Pledge is perfectly legal, but it is as revolutionary in implication as the ID scheme itself. If we all say no, then the ID scheme will fail.

What's next?


+ Appeal for defence funds - NO2ID Scotland campaigners to appear in court +
Nine NO2ID campaigners arrested after they staged a peaceful protest at an invitation only Home Office so-called "public consultation" will appear before Edinburgh Sheriff's Court on 24th July. All nine have been charged with breach of the peace, eight with causing "alarm and distress" and one with causing "alarm and disturbance". If anyone would like to contribute to legal costs, cheques made payable to "Glasgow NO2ID" (together with an indication of the intended purpose) would be gratefully received at 3e Grovepark Gardens, Glasgow G20 7JB. Any surplus after the cases have all concluded will be used for NO2ID's general campaigning.

+ 18th - 20th July - Volunteers needed - NO2ID at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival +
Friday 18th - Sunday 20th July, Tolpuddle, Dorset. NO2ID will be hosting a stall at Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and we need some more volunteers to help run the stall. Please contact Christina Zaba on union.liaison@no2id.net if you'd like to help. (See http://www.tuc.org.uk/the_tuc/tuc-14521-f0.cfm for more info on the festival).

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

We now have local groups in 44 of the 69 proposed locations for interrogation centres - of which just 3 have yet to open. Parliamentary answers indicate that the most active centres are: Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Peterborough and Sheffield.

For information on your nearest interrogation centre, see www.no2id.net/getInvolved/idCentres.php. If you can help set up a local group in one of the remaining locations, or anywhere else in the UK, please contact Matty on local.groups@no2id.net

+ Bristol +

+ 6th August - Bristol NO2ID meeting +
Wednesday, 6th August 7-8pm at White Bear on St Michael's Hill. Come and meet your friendly local campaigners. If you'd like to keep up to date with what the Bristol group is getting up to, please join the mailing list at http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.bristol

+ Cambridge +

+ 2nd August - NO2ID Cambridge Stall +
Saturday, 2nd August at 10am in the usual spot outside Cambridge Guildhall. Location Map: http://tinyurl.com/eo42r. As ever, volunteers to help very welcome - please email cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624 if you can make it.

+ 6th August - Cambridge NO2ID pub meeting (1st Wednesday of each month) +
Wednesday, 6th August 7.30pm at the Salisbury Arms, 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb1+2dw). For more details contact cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624.

+ Camden & Islington +

+ 3rd August - Camden and Islington NO2ID Stall +
Sunday, 3rd August 10am-2pm at Islington Farmers Market. Contact Matty on camden@no2id.net if you can attend.

+ 4th August - Camden and Islington NO2ID Meeting +
Monday, 4th August at 8pm. We'll be at our new(ish) venue, The Castle, 54 Pentonville Road, London. We'll try and sit at the big table on the top level at the back of the pub - if not just look for the table with the NO2ID flyers. Nearest tube is either Angel or Kings Cross. (http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-2471.php)

+ Cardiff + -

Cardiff NO2ID Benefit Gig a Great Success
We had an absurdly good benefit gig on the evening of the 11th July - many good bands and everybody had a good time. We just about managed to break even and scored two interviews on local radio about it. Thanks to everybody who came, and those who couldn't but were with us in spirit.

+ Dorking +

Monthly meetings at 7.30pm every first Tuesday of the month at The Lincoln by Dorking main line station.  Next 2 street stalls will be in Horsham, then back to Dorking.  Anyone from Dorking or surrounding towns interested in helping out is very welcome.  Please come along or email (dorking@no2id.net). First steps have been taken in getting a political consensus to pass a local motion against ID.

+ 25th September - Question Time on ID Cards and the Database State +
We have 2 guest speakers to put the case against ID Cards at our Sept 25th public meeting (Paul Beresford MP and Dr Edgar Whitley of the LSE), but still none to put the case against. 

+ Edinburgh +

Saturdays 1pm - 3pm - NO2ID Edinburgh street stall
Every week, weather permitting, you will find our campaigning stall at the east end of Princes Street, opposite the Balmoral Hotel.  Do drop by for a chat.  New volunteers - please contact John (edinburgh@no2id.net), and for more group information see http://www.no2id-scotland.net/edinburgh/

+ Epsom +

+ 24th July - Epsom NO2ID 1st Meeting  +
Thursday, 24th July 7.30pm at Cricketers Pub, Stamford Green Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7SR. All welcome. Please bring a friend. Further details: Geoff Cox on (epsom@no2id.net). If you're unable to attend, but are interested in the activity of the group, please join the Epsom mailing list at http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.epsom

+ Glasgow +

Most Saturdays 2pm - NO2ID Glasgow street stall
Most Saturdays there are stalls in Glasgow city centre (usually Buchanan Street) from about 2pm. Volunteers are always welcome, please contact Geraint if you would like to help: glasgow@no2id.net

+ Hackney +

6th August - Hackney NO2ID Meeting
Wednesday, 6th August 7pm at The Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road, London, E8 1JH. If you'd like to keep up to date with what the Hackney group is getting up to, please join the mailing list at http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.hackney-and-shoreditch

+ Manchester +

Manchester NO2ID co-ordinator Dave Page recently appeared on Liverpool's City Talk 105.9FM on the 105th anniversary of George Orwell's birthday to discuss his vision of the future in "Nineteen Eighty-Four". An MP3 of the interview will be made available soon. See http://manchester.no2id.net/content/appearance-city-talk-1059fm-liverpool

+ 9th August - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 9th August 1pm-5pm in St. Ann's Square to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register. This month, we're going to try splitting into two shifts - a 1-3pm "early" shift and a 3-5pm "late" shift, to get more presence and coverage through the day. Pick a shift you're likely to make and if we can get at least four volunteers for each shift we'll make a whole day of it! Simply enter your name (or a pseudonym) and choose a shift at: http://www.doodle.ch/vgurr73b5in6mvdh

+ 13th August - Manchester NO2ID Monthly Meeting +
Wednesday,  13th August, 7pm-9pm in the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester. Sadly, this venue is not wheelchair-accessible; please contact us on manchester@no2id.net if you have accessibility needs. This month, due to a double booking, we will be meeting in side area just off the main bar rather than in our usual function room. See minutes of our previous meetings at http://manchester.no2id.net/taxonomy/term/5

+ Oxford +

+ 2nd August - NO2ID Oxford Street Stall +
Saturday, 2nd August from around 12 noon for a couple of hours, on Cornmarket, Oxford. As usual, helpers are very welcome.  All you need to do is hand out a few leaflets and direct people to sign our petition.  You don't need to tell us you are coming, but it helps with planning. For more, contact Jim (gadjie at gmail.com) who is coordinating this.

+ 7th August - NO2ID Meeting +
Thursday, 7th August (back on the first Thursday of the month) 8pm at the Mitre on the High Street to discuss the next steps in our campaign.

+ Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells +

"David Davis and the Surveillance State" Public Meeting Report
Our public meeting "David Davis and the Surveillance State" on 7th July was little short of standing-room only, and the political spectrum, age-range and demographic of the attending public could hardly have been wider. The only pro-ID attendee was given a warm round of applause for a game but lonely defence of the government scheme. As there appears to be a strong public appetite for such debate we will hold more such events. But we need HELP - PLEASE: our only problem is to find any official figure willing to speak on the pro-ID side of open public debates. Every time we invite any official figure to bat for the pro-ID side we see only a pair of heels and a cloud of dust. (Is there an embargo on pro-ID officials speaking at *genuinely open* public debates?) Any help in locating such a volunteer willing to speak in the Tunbridge Wells area will be much appreciated, and we will treat them well, give them cups of tea and promise we won't have them arrested for Breach of the Peace for attending our meeting with a view that is different to ours.

Stalls continue in the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge town centres throughout the summer - please email if you are able to help on the rota (tunbridge.wells@no2id.net).

What just happened?

+ Data Sharing Review Gives Green Light to Data Sharing +

Last Friday the Data Sharing Review by the Information Commissioner and Mark Walport of the Wellcome Trust was published. The report disgracefully fails to recognise the magnitude of the database state. The 'Data Sharing Review Report - annexes' acknowledges that: "A recurring theme among members of the public was the disparity in power between the citizen and the state in relation to data sharing", and that, "It was said that the citizen has no choice but to use public (or publicly administrated) services, but equally had no choice or say over how their personal information is used once it was in the public sector". However the report recommends the removal of legal barriers to data sharing: "We recommend that where there is a genuine case for removing or modifying an existing legal barrier to data sharing, a new statutory fast-track procedure should be created". We have consistently warned that the removal of existing firewalls will lead to the abolition of privacy - the report's authors clearly disagree. Or don't care.
Read the review and submissions at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/reviews/datasharing-intro.htm
NO2ID's submission is at http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/NO2ID-Data-Sharing-Response.pdf
For analysis of the review see: http://www.openrightsgroup.org/2008/07/11/data-sharing-review/

+ Italian fingerprinting - How to policy launder at home +

The Italian government has been the subject of worldwide controversy after they introduced a mandatory programme to fingerprint gypsies. The Italian government said they had begun fingerprinting tens of thousands of gypsies in nomad camps across the country to help fight crime. Various groups accused the Italians of racism and many compared their action to that of the Nazis during the Holocaust. However such calls of discrimination, rather than the principled argument that fingerprinting anyone is wrong, have given the Italians the way out they probably wanted all along - fingerprint everyone and so dodge the criticism of discrimination. On Wednesday an Italian parliamentary panel gave initial approval to the 'fingerprint everyone' plan. The move will introduce fingerprinting from 2010, for national identity cards which are required for all Italian citizens and foreigners living in Italy.

+ Home Office gets down with the youth, sort of +

The Home Office has set up a web site to promote the National ID scheme to young people. The site says: "We want to know what you think, so contribute contribute contribute.", and not at all creepily adds, "Don’t be shy". However things haven't been going so well on the site as the pesky youngsters haven't all been as on message as the government might have hoped. For instance a quick scan of the discussion topics reveals: "We don't want the ID Card", "Number of The Beast", "What could 4.4Bn of taxpayers money be better spent on?", "Carrying on the Stalinist security state dream", "Creepy" and "Stopping the ID card scheme".

+ German ID fingerprints will be voluntary +

Germans will not have to submit to fingerprinting when their new electronic ID cards are introduced in 2010 [where have you heard that year before? - ed]. An interior ministry document circulated to industry and local authorities confirms that the government has abandoned compulsion, following widespread controversy. Germans who want their fingerprints on their IDs will have that option, but it will no longer be a requirement. The ministry briefing reportedly insists that "the high German security level should also form the basis of an EU-wide standard for electronic identity cards". This prompted the ITC news service Heise Online to look at ID practices around Europe. It found widely differing systems.  "A Spanish particularity is that the ID card is associated with a central database in which the full biometric information of all citizens (photos, fingerprints) is stored. In Britain, misgivings over such central registration have made the introduction of electronic identity cards highly controversial."

"ID" in the news


+ Doctors repeat call for inquiry into CFH - eHealth Insider 14/7/08 +
Doctors’ representatives have called for an independent inquiry into Connecting for Health and demanded that trusts be allowed to seek solutions directly from IT providers.
http://www.e-health-insider.com/news/3943/doctors_repeat_call_for_inquiry_into_cfh

+ Airports slam plan for staff ID cards - Travel Trade Gazette 12/7/08
Airport operators have written an open letter to the home secretary protesting about a plan to issue airport staff with ID cards. The British Air Transport Authority (Bata) wrote to Jacqui Smith MP saying that the introduction of biometric ID cards for about 200,000 airport workers, scheduled for the second half of 2009, will be costly but have no tangible benefit.
http://tinyurl.com/59wm2c

+ Report fingers prints as ID scheme's point of failure - The Register 10/7/08 +
Yet more trouble assails the government’s £4.4bn National Identity Scheme (NIS), as an official report puts the boot into the preferred scheme for “exception handling” – and a bunch of techies show how the recommended system can be beaten.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/10/id_national_identity_scheme/

+ Privacy issue will dictate data debate - Computing 10/7/08 +
The oldest and truest cliché about data privacy is that technology is both the problem and the solution. There have already been murmurings that ministers want to relax elements of the Data Protection Act to allow further cross-matching of data in different Whitehall systems.
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/analysis/2221224/privacy-issue-dictate-debate-4113166

+ Cost of surveillance "costing UK £20billion" - The Mirror 7/7/08 +
The cost of our surveillance society has topped £20billion, a report claims today. The figure, which is said to work out as costing £800 per household, includes £19billion for the planned ID card system and £500million spent on CCTV cameras.
http://tinyurl.com/629tgk

+ ID cards chief casts doubt on scheme security - ZDNet  4/7/08 +
The chief executive of the Identity and Passport Service has said the ID cards database will not be completely secure. James Hall said on Thursday that, after a string of high-profile data breaches in the past year, people should be concerned about the security of their personal information held by the government.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39443163,00.htm

+ ICO slaps TfL over Oyster data hoard - The Register 27/6/08 +
Last month Transport for London made it compulsory for children using the network to carry Oyster photocards. This has raised concerns about the amount of data the company is collecting.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/27/tfl_photcards/

(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )  ]]> http://www.no2id.net/news/newsletters/newsletter.php?issue=102