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NO2ID Newsletter 110

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:01 GMT

++ JOIN NO2ID - AND WE'LL GET MATCHED FUNDING ++

Since 1st September the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Ltd has generously been matching, pound for pound, any *new* income that NO2ID receives.� For every pound given from 1st September NO2ID has received TWO pounds to spend campaigning against the ID scheme and database state. Many thanks to everyone who has already responded to our matched funding appeal.

For those that have not already donated or joined NO2ID, the good news is that the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust offer is still open. Join NO2ID today and we'll get double your joining fee to help us fight the database state. Better still join NO2ID and encourage someone else to join too, that way we'll get double the double funding. Word of mouth is one of the best ways for us to expand - and talking about the issues relating to the ID scheme and the database state is a great way of informing people and getting our message across. Almost all our funding comes from membership fees and donations from individual supporters - we are hardly likely to get a government grant even if we wanted it, and we stay independent of any political patronage of any kind.

Individual membership of NO2ID starts at �£15 a year but if you can give more, please do - every pound spent is an investment in your and your family's freedoms. You can download a membership form from our website: http://www.no2id.net/downloads/membForm.pdf

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.
--
Notes:

[1] For more details of how to join NO2ID see http://www.no2id.net/getInvolved/join

What just happened?

+ Edinburgh NO2ID boost matched funding appeal +

Thanks to Edinburgh NO2ID for their collective contribution of �£100 towards the JRRT Ltd matched-funding.

+ The Home Secretary at the Joint Committee on Human Rights +

Last Tuesday (28th October) the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith gave evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights. Asked about Sir Ken Macdonald's warning of the dangers of the surveillance state (see newsletter 109) Smith skirted around the issue and said: "It is rather difficult for me to comment on what Ken Macdonald meant by the speech that he gave; he did not clear it with me and he did not discuss it with me before he gave it". On the forthcoming communications data bill Smith struggled with both the English language and what communication data is when she said: "if we face a situation as a government where both technology and our use of technology means that some of the most important capability that law enforcement uses at the moment is likely to be eroded, then we have to consider what is the most appropriate way to deal with that technologically (number one) and what are the appropriate legal safeguards to put around the way in which we deal with that in the future to safeguard that capability".� Smith promised to expand on this in a consultation paper that she will publish in the New Year - let's hope she gets someone else to help her write it.
Read the transcript at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200708/jtselect/jtrights/uc1142-i/uc114202.htm
Watch the session at: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/VideoPlayer.aspx?meetingId=2646

+ You can't protect it. So don't collect it +

Following yet another data loss the Prime Minister has admitted that the government cannot promise to keep people's personal information safe. Key government computer systems were shut down after a memory stick was found in a pub car park containing passwords to the online Government Gateway system. Gordon Brown, speaking whilst on a trip to the Gulf, said :"It is important to recognise we cannot promise that every single item of information will always be safe because mistakes are made by human beings". The only cure to the problem of data loss is for the government to stop collecting so much personal data. You can't protect it. So don't collect it.

+ Mole Valley Council Passes Anti-ID Motion +

On Thursday 30th October Mole Valley Council unanimously passed a motion against the National ID Scheme. The motion said that "the scheme will impose wholly disproportionate costs on this Council and other public bodies which will include both implementation and operational costs and that this will have a damaging effect on all residents of Mole Valley". The council resolved to not participate in the ID scheme unless required to do so by law.� Speaking in the debate Councillor Paul Elderton warned that the ID scheme will erode trust: "It will break down the bond between the nurse and the person being treated, between the teacher and the child in the class - it's the 'who are you' question and basically as a country we have never asked that 'who are you' question, we have always accepted foreigners, we've accepted people into our communities, because we believe that they will eventually want to stay with us and become part of our community".

+ Proof that writing letters to periodicals works +

The recent letters pages in the mass-market ComputerActive magazine - which has a circulation of more than 200,000 (roughly the same as that of The Independent) - carried a "star letter" from NO2ID supporter Peter Salter in the 16th-29th Oct edition attacking the ID scheme. What's more, he has been followed by *three* more anti ID letters in the most recent edition plus another "star letter" expressing skepticism of universal communications surveillance. This issue is relevant to every and any one- whatever publication you read should print your letter, so get writing.

What's next?

+ Would You Like to Volunteer? +
NO2ID relies heavily upon the continued generosity of its supporters. One way you can help is by volunteering to assist in the NO2ID office (in London). We are always on the lookout for people with enthusiasm and a little spare time to help us assemble newsletters, member and information packs, and execute basic data entry tasks. The amount of time you put in is up to you - it can be as little as an hour or two per month, but is nevertheless invaluable to us. If you are interested in joining our team please email Stephanie Munro at administrator@no2id.net.

+ New consultation on Connecting for Health and secondary uses of patient data +
"NHS Connecting for Health are gathering people's views to help them make important decisions about the ways the NHS can use information it collects about patients. Such patient data is mainly used to provide care and treatment but can also have additional uses such as research, auditing the quality and safety of care, management planning, etc.� This consultation is focusing on additional uses." Responses should be sent to Chrissy Brand (FREEPOST RRXB-TTRR-HJGB, Tribal Consulting, Palatine Road, Manchester, M22 4DB) by 10th December.
See http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/research/consultation

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

"ID" in the news

+ Gordon Brown says government cannot ensure data safety - The Times 2/11/08 +
Gordon Brown has made a frank admission that government cannot promise the safety of personal data entrusted by the public. The Prime Minister was speaking hours after it emerged that a memory stick containing the passwords to a government website used to submit online tax returns had been lost.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article5065795.ece

+ Passport Service dismisses 14 for database abuses - ComputerWeekly 31/10/08 +
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) says it has dismissed 14 people over the last three years in relation to passport database abuses. The IPS is now closely involved in building the government's national identity card database.
http://tinyurl.com/6xjfl6

+ GCHQ expert dismisses ID cards 'bunkum' - The Independent 29/10/08 +
Claims that ID cards will help the fight against terrorism have been dismissed as "absolute bunkum" by a senior Government security expert linked to GCHQ. Ministers faced embarrassment after Harvey Mattinson, a senior consultant at the information security arm of the intelligence listening station, spoke out at a technology conference.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/gchq-expert-dismisses-id-cards-bunkum-978149.html

+ Mobile firms call on Liberty - The Observer 26/10/08 +
Mobile phone companies are seeking an endorsement from Liberty, the civil rights group, to assuage consumer concerns over possible misuse of the private data they hold on file.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/oct/26/mobile-privacy-liberty-data-orange

+ NO2ID shakes fist at plod print scanner plan - The Register 27/10/08 +
Privacy group NO2ID is calling for legal protections before the introduction of mobile fingerprint scanners next year. As we reported in May the National Policing Improvement Agency handed over �£50m for mobile devices to police forces. These will allow officers to check fingerprints against the Police National Computer.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/27/fingerprint_scans_objections/

+ ID cards still have majority support - ZDNet 24/10/08 +
A majority of the public remains in support of the National Identity Scheme, according to the latest figures from the Identity and Passport Service. The latest tracking research on the scheme, carried out by Taylor Nelson Sofres and published on Wednesday, claims that 60 percent are in favour, with 24 percent against, 14 percent neutral and 2 percent who don't know.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39529029,00.htm

+ Civil servants' pro-Labour memo reignites child data controversy - The Register 23/10/08 +
The Conservatives have called on the government to explain why supposedly impartial civil servants have intervened in a political argument over how sensitive data on children should be stored and shared. Earlier this week the Department for Children, Schools and Families wrote to local authorities to argue that Labour's plans for the forthcoming ContactPoint database are the best to protect children from abuse.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/23/contactpoint_memo/

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

NO2ID Newsletter 109

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:01 GMT

++ SHARPEN THOSE PENS! ++

Our fight against the database state takes place on many fronts. The latest is the Communications Data Bill, which proposes to record - for life - the details of everyone you call or write to and what websites you visit [1].

This raises not just the prospect of a new, massively intrusive surveillance database, but - according to the Sunday Times [2] - the possibility of compulsory registration of mobile phones. Negative media coverage has forced the Home Secretary to announce further 'consultation' on the Bill in the new year and a flat denial from the Home Office on mobile phone registration.

We cannot leave it there.

Monitoring your communications is in many ways more intrusive than searching your home. It should only ever be done under warrant with good reason. The general convenience of the Home Office is a very bad reason indeed.

Do you want the state (and anyone who can gain access to the system) to have a record of your religious and political beliefs, your sexual interests and relationships, your financial and medical worries - "just in case" they ever become of interest to the authorities?

You wouldn't tolerate someone creeping into your home at any time, night and day, to go through your and your family's private things. You shouldn't put up with this.

Please write NOW to your MP - http://writetothem.com - expressing your disgust at the British government moving to continually spy on us all, and ask what he or she intends to do about it. (N.B. Please write in your own words - it is *much* more effective.)
--
Notes:

[1]
http://www.opendemocracy.net/blog/ourkingdom-theme/phil-booth/2008/08/25/the-secret-silo-for-your-familys-data
http://www.opendemocracy.net/blog/ourkingdom-theme/phil-booth/2008/10/21/the-stalker-state

[2] http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4969312.ece

What just happened?

+ Government closes youth ID opinions website +

A website launched by the government in July to find out what 16-25 year olds think of the national ID scheme has been closed. Visitors to the site are now greeted by the message "Site off-line: The mylifemyid community has now finished. Many thanks for your contribution. We will post a notification here when the report is published". Most of the comments posted on the site, that cost £76,249 to set up and maintain, were against ID cards and the National Identity Register so it will be interesting to see the promised report...

+ DPP warns of dangers of surveillance state +

Sir Ken Macdonald, the outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions, this week spoke out about the database-powered surveillance state. Macdonald warned that politicians should "take very great care to imagine the world we are creating before we build it. We might end up living with something we can't bear." Macdonald, who was delivering a Crown Prosecution Service Lecture entitled 'Coming Out Of The Shadows', called for "legislative restraint" and pointed out that "our rights are priceless".
http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/nationalnews/coming_out_of_the_shadows.html

+ Report reveals fear of crime that drives policy agenda +

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has released a report as part of their 'social evils' debate. The document entitled 'Why are fear and distrust spiralling in twenty-first century Britain?' points out that fear of crime is far worse than actual crime levels. The report states: "While crime has been falling steadily since 1995, the majority of Britons think it is rising". This leads to fear of crime and the report goes on to point out that: "Fear and distrust are linked, with research showing that levels of trust correlate with fear in society." This fear and lack of trust is what politicians play on when introducing illiberal measures such as ID cards and the expanding database and surveillance state.
Read the viewpoint at http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialpolicy/pdf/2282.pdf
Also see http://www.socialevils.org.uk/

What's next?

+ Would You Like to Volunteer? +
NO2ID relies heavily upon the continued generosity of its supporters. One way you can help is by volunteering to assist in the NO2ID office (in London). We are always on the lookout for people with enthusiasm and a little spare time to help us assemble newsletters, member and information packs, and execute basic data entry tasks. The amount of time you put in is up to you - it can be as little as an hour or two per month, but is nevertheless invaluable to us. If you are interested in joining our team please email Stephanie Munro at administrator@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

+ New consultation on Connecting for Health and secondary uses of patient data +
"NHS Connecting for Health are gathering people's views to help them make important decisions about the ways the NHS can use information it collects about patients. Such patient data is mainly used to provide care and treatment but can also have additional uses such as research, auditing the quality and safety of care, management planning, etc. This consultation is focusing on additional uses." Responses should be sent to Chrissy Brand (FREEPOST RRXB-TTRR-HJGB, Tribal Consulting, Palatine Road, Manchester, M22 4DB) by 10th December.
See http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/research/consultation

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

Come and learn how to set up a group and campaign in your area;
Meet other campaigners and share ideas;
Find out where the ID scheme and related initiatives are heading;
Find out what you can do about it.

Open to all. Free. (Collection towards cost of venue.) For more information email Matty on local.groups@no2id.net

+ HELP NEEDED - NO2ID LONDON GROUPS +
NO2ID groups in London are looking for someone to be an 'events spotter'. The idea is that this person would keep an eye on upcoming happenings at which it might be good for London groups to hold stalls. We're thinking fetes, festivals, political events, talks, community action groups, that sort of thing, but anything where we might be able to reach more potential London supporters would be excellent. It would be primarily an email based role, but London coordinators meet once every three months to discuss tactics, trade advice etc and the events spotting person would be very welcome to attend. Please email Matty Mitford on local.groups@no2id.net for more info.

+ Brighton and Hove+

+ 28th October - Brighton and Hove NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 28th October, 7.30pm at the Brighton Peace and Environment Centre (BPEC) opposite Brighton Station. We will be going to the Battle of Trafalgar for an informal chat afterwards if meetings aren't your thing.

+ Cambridge +

"Taking Liberties" screening
Cambridge NO2ID and the Cafe Project (http://www.cafeproject.org/) co-hosted a very successful free showing of the acclaimed documentary "Taking Liberties" on Sunday 12th October at The Cafe on Jesus Lane. Further free showings in Cambridge are being planned - keep an eye on the newsletter for details.

+ 25th October - NO2ID Cambridge Stall +
Saturday, 25th October 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.

+ 4th November - Cambridge NO2ID pub meeting (Normally 1st Wednesday of each month) +
Tuesday, 4th November, 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. (Note: Moved to Tuesday - usually on the first Wednesday of the month, but that falls on 5th November and many will have other plans)

+ Daventry +

+ 19th November - Davnetry NO2ID 1st Meeting (2nd Wednesday of month) +
Wednesday, 19th November from 8pm (and every second Wednesday of the month thereafter) at The Saracen's Head, 1 Brook Street, Daventry, NN11 5HN. Everyone is welcome, newcomer or not, curious or committed. Please bring a friend. For further details contact Kate Megeary on (daventry@no2id.net). If you're unable to attend but are interested in the activity of the group, please join the Daventry mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.daventry (pending).

+ Edinburgh +

At the latest Edinburgh group meeting we were very pleased to be joined by members of the Glasgow group. We had come together to report on and discuss the joint protest in Edinburgh on 30th June at which nine NO2ID campaigners were arrested. Six of those arrested were present at the meeting and were able to give a full account of what took place.

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/

+ 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

+ NEW NO2ID Group for Glasgow University Students and Staff+
A new NO2ID group has been formed at Glasgow University. Staff or students interested in getting involved should contact Stephen at GU@glasgow-no2id.org.uk or join the mailing list directly at (http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/glasgow-students). The first meeting will be held on Monday 29th October at 7pm in Usige Beatha on Woodlands Road. There is a map available at (http://www.glasgowonline.co.uk/info/26603/). This is only a temporary meeting place and time until we get on our feet. If anyone knows somewhere better they can bring it up at the meeting. We will be discussing allocation of funds as well as many other exciting things, and having a few drinks... We hope as many of you can make it as possible.

Students at other universities or colleges in the city who would like to set up a similar group are encouraged to contact Geraint at Glasgow@NO2ID.net

+ Hackney +

+ 5th November - Hackney/North East London NO2ID Meeting +
Wednesday, 5th November, 7pm at the Pembury Tavern (in E8, at the junction of Amhurst Road, Pembury Road and Dalston Lane, near Hackney Downs and Hackney Central stations). The Home Secretary is thinking up ever-wackier database applications to keep an eye on the Queen's subjects (that's you and me), so we need some creative ways to spread the No2ID message in north-east London.

+ Hammersmith and Fulham +

Local coordinator, Brian Mooney is keen to hear from anyone who can help him with generating activity in the Hammersmith & Fulham area. Brian welcomes your thoughts and your questions, and can be contacted via: hammersmith@no2id.net or on 07976 414913

If you are interested in the work of the Hammersmith and Fulham group, please join the mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.hammersmith-and-fulham

+ Manchester +

For updates and discussion, join the Manchester NO2ID mailing list at http://manchester.no2id.net/

+ 8th November - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 8th November, 2pm-4pm in St. Anne's Square, Manchester. We'll be running a Saturday afternoon stall in St. Ann's Square to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register. Newcomers, committed and curious welcome.

+ 12th November - Manchester NO2ID meeting +
Wednesday, 12th November, 7pm-9pm in the upstairs function room of the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester. Sadly this venue is not wheelchair-accessible; please contact us if you have accessibility needs at http://manchester.no2id.net/contact

+ Oxford +

+ 8th November - NO2ID Oxford Street Stall +
Saturday, 8th November, 11am-1pm on Cornmarket Street, Oxford. It helps if you can let us know that you are coming (oxford@no2id.net)

+ 13th November - Oxford NO2ID Meeting +
Thursday, 13th November, 8pm at the Mitre on the High Street in Oxford.

+ 21st November - NO2ID Oxford Student Event +
Friday, 21st November - a joint event with the Oxford Libertarian Society (http://oxlib.org.uk) and Oxford Students for Liberty (http://oxfordstudentsforliberty.org). It will consist of a short talk followed by some discussions. Precise venue and timing to be announced when we have them...

+ Plymouth +

+ 2nd November - Pylmouth NO2ID Meeting (1st Sunday of month) +
Sunday, 2nd November from 7-9pm and every first Sunday of the month thereafter at The Chestnut Tree Cafe, 13 The Parade, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1. These meetings will serve as a catalyst and we'll be working hard to make sure there's a plan of action resulting from every meeting. If you can't attend but are still interested in the activity of the group please join the mailing list on http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.plymouth or contact Simon (the coordinator) on plymouth@no2id.net

+ Scarborough +

+ 3rd November - Free screening of the award-winning documentary film Taking Liberties +
Monday, 3 November 2008, 7.30pm at Performance Studio 2, Scarborough Campus, University of Hull, Filey Road, Scarborough, YO11 3AZ. Performance Studio 2 is reached via the side entrance underneath the arch opposite the security lodge. Free admission - to book tickets email j.beddoe@hull.ac.uk or phone 01723 357141. Taking Liberties is an unflinching inquiry into the systematic erosion of our basic liberties and traditional rights amidst a climate of fear fostered by the media.

To find out more visit: www.no2idScarborough.org.uk or email scarborough@no2id.net

+ Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells +

Stalls continue - if you want to help (and we'd like you to!) then please do drop us a line at tunbridge.wells@no2id.net.

+ 6th November - Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells NO2ID Meeting +
Thursday, 6th November, 8pm at The Compasses, 45, Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1Y.

+ Watford +

+ 4th November - Watford NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 4th November, 7.15pm in the Estcourt Tavern, 25 Estcourt Road, Watford WD17 2PY. An application has been made to set up a stall in Watford town centre and we'll need some people to volunteer to sign shoppers up to the petition and give out leaflets.

+ Yorkshire +

+ 25th October - NO2ID Yorkshire Regional Stalls Workshop +
Saturday, 25th October, 12pm at the Private function room , Victoria Hotel (pub), 28 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3DL. NO2ID groups across Yorkshire will be meeting to discuss strategies and tactics on how to effectively communicate the threat of ID cards and the �Database State' on street stalls. Following this informal workshop meeting we will be heading out into Leeds to put what has been learnt into practice. Anybody wishing to help out on street stalls or find out more about this part of our campaign is welcome to come along (no prior experience necessary!). Contact: Yorkshire@no2id.net / 07817605162

"ID" in the news

+ Foreign cops ask for UK identity data - The Inquirer 22/10/08 +
The UK'S Serious and Organised Crime Agency is talking with foreign police about letting them access the National Identity Register, the identity card database that will contain the biometric records of every adult in Britain.
http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/10/21/foreign-cops-ask-uk-identity

+ Identity minister moots ID cards on driving licences - ZDNet 21/10/08 +
A Home Office minister has mooted turning UK driving licences into ID cards, sparking accusations the national biometric database will be forced in by the back door. Speaking today at the Biometrics Conference 2008, identity minister Meg Hillier said there was "nothing to stop" drivers' licences or other documents from being designated to work as ID cards.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39523794,00.htm

+ Home Office trying to persuade unions to drop opposition to ID cards - The Guardian 20/10/08 +
The Home Office is in active talks with trade unions in an attempt to persuade them to abandon opposition to the imminent introduction of compulsory ID cards for airport workers.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/oct/20/idcards

+ Govt ponders proof-of-ID law for future phone purchases - The Register 20/10/08 +
The bother of choosing between an 18-month contract or a high up-front price may soon be the least of your worries when buying a new mobile phone, because you may soon be required to prove your identity before you're allowed a new handset.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/10/20/passport_phone/

+ Passports will be needed to buy mobile phones - The Sunday Times 19/10/08 +
Everyone who buys a mobile telephone will be forced to register their identity on a national database under government plans to extend massively the powers of state surveillance.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4969312.ece

+ A solution in search of a problem - The Economist 16/10/08 +
Ministerial enthusiasm for a £4.7 billion national identity-card scheme (and the database that would power it) has elicited warnings about cost overruns and data-security risks from sober commentators and comparisons with the Gestapo from more colourful ones.
http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12432440&fsrc=rss

+ God help us. This will soon be a country more spied upon than Communist East Germany under the Stasi - Daily Mail 16/10/08 +
We have more CCTV cameras than any other country in the world. Our DNA database, which comprises four million people, many of whom have committed no crime at all, is also bigger than that of any other country. Identity cards are in the pipeline.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1078026/STEPHEN-GLOVER-This-soon-country-spied-Communist-East-Germany.html

+ EU: Public consultation on the Internet of Things - epractice.eu 14/10/08 +
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to prepare its future Communication on the Internet of Things (IoT). The consultation deadline is 28 November 2008. The Commission�s Communication on the Internet of Things is planned to be released in the second quarter of 2009. It will propose a policy approach addressing the entire range of political and technological issues related to the move from RFID and sensing technologies to the Internet of Things.
http://www.epractice.eu/document/5118

+ ID cards plan in crisis as the 'guinea pigs' revolt - The Guardian 12/10/08 +
Plans to build support for identity cards by introducing them among 'guinea pig' groups, such as airport staff and students, are in crisis after 10,000 airline pilots vowed to take legal action to block them and opposition swept through Britain's universities and councils.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/oct/12/idcards

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

NO2ID Newsletter 108

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:01 GMT

++ HELP US SHOW PARLIAMENT THE BIG PICTURE ++

On Saturday, groups all over Europe will be taking part in events to protest about the growing Database/Surveillance State. NO2ID have teamed up with the Open Rights Group to show Parliament the 'Big Picture' by constructing a giant image made out of thousands of pictures taken by UK citizens of surveillance state ephemera. YOU can join this protest from anywhere in the UK by simply sending us a photo. We would like you to send us a picture of 'the database state' in YOUR life. We want images of the signs of mass surveillance, and any form of intrusive ID or state control - cameras, cards, scanners, forms, whatever you like.

Already hundreds of photos of surveillance cameras and other database state ephemera from all over the country have been emailed or uploaded to Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=FnFBigPicture&m=tags) but there's still time to send more. Take a photograph with your (digital) camera or mobile phone and send a copy to FreedomNotFear@no2id.net

On Saturday morning a small group will go to Parliament Square in London to build an image showing where the incremental invasions of our privacy you’ve been documenting will eventually lead British society. Let's show Parliament the big picture of surveillance in the UK.

What just happened?

+ EU and Fingerprinting Children +

The European Parliament's Justice and Civil Liberties Committee has voted to increase the minimum age of fingerprinting for EU passports from 6 to 12. Statewatch reports that: "This decision puts the European Parliament on a collision course with the Council (27 governments) who want the age to be six years old and above (some governments want it lower still) - the measure is subject to co-decision. Six years old was accepted by the Civil Liberties Committee rapporteur but rejected by the Committee." Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, the author of the amendment, described the UK government's policy laundering on the issue of passports, when she said: "The UK is not legally allowed to join either the EU passports or visa schemes as we choose not to be part of the Schengen zone, but the UK government tends to shadow EU developments and even lets it be thought that they are under an EU obligation."
More info at http://www.statewatch.org/news/

+ Professional group criticises NHS IT - but privacy not on the agenda+

The Association for Informatics Professionals in Health and Social Care (ASSIST) has made a formal submission to an Independent Review Group looking at information technology in the NHS.� The submission criticises the original aims of the NHS National Programme for IT (now called Connecting for Health): "We reject the notion that the NHS is analogous to a bank (especially in the current “credit crunch”!), a global telecommunications company or an airline, and thus believe that focussing on their ICT models for a healthcare environment was fundamentally flawed". Missing from the report though is any discussion of privacy with regard to patient records which the government want to computerise and upload to a central database - "the spine". Recent media reports have revealed that NHS chiefs plan to sell patient information to private firms - all of this facilitated by new databases. The NHS Confidentiality campaign has information about opting out of the spine and are currently working on an opt out for the Secondary Uses Service.
See http://www.nhsconfidentiality.org

What's next?

+ 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

+ New consultation on Connecting for Health and secondary uses of patient data +
"NHS Connecting for Health are gathering people's views to help them make important decisions about the ways the NHS can use information it collects about patients. Such patient data is mainly used to provide care and treatment but can also have additional uses such as research, auditing the quality and safety of care, management planning, etc.� This consultation is focusing on additional uses." Responses should be sent to Chrissy Brand (FREEPOST RRXB-TTRR-HJGB, Tribal Consulting, Palatine Road, Manchester, M22 4DB) by 10th December.
See http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/research/consultation

+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +

Come and learn how to set up a group and campaign in your area;
Meet other campaigners and share ideas;
Find out where the ID scheme and related initiatives are heading;
Find out what you can do about it.

Open to all. Free. (Collection towards cost of venue.) For more information email Matty on local.groups@no2id.net

+ HELP NEEDED - NO2ID LONDON GROUPS +
NO2ID groups in London are looking for someone to be an 'events spotter'. The idea is that this person would keep an eye on upcoming happenings at which it might be good for London groups to hold stalls. We're thinking fetes, festivals, political events, talks, community action groups, that sort of thing, but anything where we might be able to reach more potential London supporters would be excellent. It would be primarily an email based role, but London coordinators meet once every three months to discuss tactics, trade advice etc and the events spotting person would be very welcome to attend. Please email Matty Mitford on local.groups@no2id.net for more info.

+ Brighton +

+ 9th October - FREE viewing of 'Taking Liberties' +
Thursday, 9th October 7pm for 7.30pm sharp start - FREE viewing of 'Taking Liberties' at the Caroline of Brunswick (just by the Level). This documentary film is very inspiring and who can pass up on a free cinema showing?� No fee, donations welcome.

+ 28th October - Brighton NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 28th October 7.30pm at the Brighton Peace and Environment Centre (BPEC) opposite Brighton Station. We will be going to the Battle of Trafalgar for an informal chat afterwards if meetings aren't your thing.

+ Cambridge +

+ 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/

+ 25th October - NO2ID Cambridge Stall +
Saturday, 25th October 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.

+ 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/

+ 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

+ NEW NO2ID Group for Glasgow University Students and Staff+
A new NO2ID group has been formed at Glasgow University. Staff or students interested in getting involved should contact Stephen at GU@glasgow-no2id.org.uk or join the mailing list directly at (http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/glasgow-students). The first meeting will be held on Monday 29th October at 7pm in Usige Beatha on Woodlands Road. There is a map available at (http://www.glasgowonline.co.uk/info/26603/). This is only a temporary meeting place and time until we get on our feet. If anyone knows somewhere better they can bring it up at the meeting. We will be discussing allocation of funds as well as many other exciting things, and having a few drinks... We hope as many of you can make it as possible.

Students at other universities or colleges in the city who would like to set up a similar group are encouraged to contact Geraint at Glasgow@NO2ID.net

+ Hammersmith and Fulham +

Local coordinator, Brian Mooney, is keen to hear from anyone who can help him with generating activity in the Hammersmith & Fulham area. Brian welcomes your thoughts and your questions, and can be contacted via: hammersmith@no2id.net or on 07976 414913

If you are interested in the work of the Hammersmith and Fulham group, please join the mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.hammersmith-and-fulham

+ Liverpool +

+ 9th October - Liverpool Defy-ID / NO2ID Meeting +
Thursday 9th October 7pm-9pm at Next To Nowhere, the Liverpool Social Centre at 96 Bold Street, L1 4HY (http://www.liverpoolsocialcentre.org/find.htm). Liverpool NO2ID supporters have been invited to attend the meeting to look at how we can work together to get some anti-ID card activities going in Liverpool. If you can spare some time to support events in Liverpool please come along to ask any questions you have about the National Identity Scheme and get involved in fighting it!

+ Maidstone +

+ 16th October Maidstone NO2ID meeting� +
Thursday, 16th October, at 6.30pm, at The Muggleton Inn, High St, Maidstone.

+ Manchester +

For updates and discussion, join the Manchester NO2ID mailing list at http://manchester.no2id.net/

+ 11th October - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +
Saturday, 11th October 2pm-4pm in St. Anne's Square, Manchester. We'll be running a Saturday afternoon stall in St. Ann's Square to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register. Newcomers, committed and curious welcome.

+ 15th October - Manchester NO2ID meeting +
Wednesday, 15th October 7pm-9pm in the upstairs function room of the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester. Sadly, this venue is not wheelchair-accessible; please contact us if you have accessibility needs at http://manchester.no2id.net/contact

+ Plymouth +

+ 2nd November - Pylmouth NO2ID Meeting (1st Sunday of month) +
Sunday, 2nd November from 7-9pm and every first Sunday of the month thereafter at The Chestnut Tree Cafe, 13 The Parade, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1. These meetings will serve as a catalyst and we'll be working hard to make sure there's a plan of action resulting from every meeting. If you can't attend but are still interested in the activity of the group please join the mailing list on http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.plymouth or contact Simon (the coordinator) on plymouth@no2id.net

+ Selby +

+ 12st October - Selby NO2ID Meeting +
Tuesday, 21st October 8pm at the Blue Bell, Monk Fryston.

+ 18th October - Selby NO2ID Street Stall, York +
Saturday, 18th October 10.30am in Parliament Street, York.

+ Shrewsbury +

+ 18th October - Shrewsbury NO2ID street stall+
Saturday, 18th October (weather permitting) between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Pride Hill. Drop by and say hello - if you can stay a little longer you are welcome to help by handing out leaflets and chatting to people.

+ 20th October - Shrewsbury NO2ID pub Meeting (3rd Monday of the month)+
Monday, 20th October 7.15pm until about 9pm we will be meeting at the Armoury, Victoria Quay, Victoria Avenue, Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury (see www.armoury-shrewsbury.co.uk). Look for a table with NO2ID leaflets scattered around it. Most of us will be eating, or just come for a drink. The St Austin's Street car park behind the Armoury is free of charge after 8pm.

+ Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells +

Stalls continue - if you want to help (and we'd like you to!) - then please do drop us a line at tunbridge.wells@no2id.net. We will be starting monthly pub-based meetings shortly for the winter - watch this space.

+ 16th October - "The Database State" - an Open, Public Debate +
Thursday, 16th October 7.30pm at Byng Hall, St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PG. Greg Clark MP will chair two teams of students quizzing Daniel Zeichner (Labour Party Spokesman) and Phil Booth (National Coordinator of NO2ID). Motion - "This house deplores the creation of a Database State". Following correspondence concerning participation in the above from Meg Hillier's office spanning 11 communications (two-way) and nearly three months, Meg Hillier finally made a decision not to attend this Open, Public Debate... We're really most grateful to Daniel Zeichner for being the nearest available pro-ID speaker (at 94 miles each way) we could find with the courage to defend government policy.� Free entry - just turn up and join the fun !!!

+ Yorkshire +

Leeds/Bradford Universities' UNITE passes motion against ID cards
At its recent AGM the Leeds/Bradford Universities' branch of the trade Union UNITE that represents staff working at the Universities passed a motion against Introduction of ID cards for overseas students and British citizens. The motion calls on the branch to ask "that the Universities make representations on behalf of its staff to the Identity & Passport Service".

+ 25th October - NO2ID Yorkshire Regional Stalls Workshop +
Saturday, 25th October 12pm at the Private function room , Victoria Hotel (pub), 28 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3DL. NO2ID groups across Yorkshire will be meeting to discuss strategies and tactics on how to effectively communicate the threat of ID cards and the ‘Database State' on street stalls. Following this informal workshop meeting we will be heading out into Leeds to put what has been learnt into practice.� Anybody wishing to help out on street stalls or find out more about this part of our campaign is welcome to come along (no prior experience necessary!). Contact: Yorkshire@no2id.net / 07817605162

"ID" in the news

+ The all-seeing state is about to end privacy as we know it - The Guardian 8/10/08 +
Plans for a vast central database of our emails, phone calls and texts will see everyone monitored as a potential suspect. Next month's Queen's speech will contain a brief reference to an innocuous-sounding communications data bill.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/08/civilliberties.privacy/

+ Tories plan streamlined children's database - Kable 8/10/08 +
An incoming Conservative government would replace the ContactPoint database of all children in England with a system covering only those seen as vulnerable. Its central system would cover only groups such as those in care, on the child protection register or with backgrounds of domestic violence, according to Tim Loughton, the shadow minister for children and young people.
http://tinyurl.com/4omndf

+ Oyster card hack instructions published - The Time 7/10/08 +
Details of how to hack into identity cards that give millions of people access to secure buildings and public transport networks have been published online.
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4899154.ece

+ Boffins (finally) publish hack for world's most popular smartcard - The Register 6/10/08 +
Two research papers published Monday have finally made it official: The world's most widely deployed radio frequency identification (RFID) smartcard - used to control access to transportation systems, military installations, and other restricted areas - can be cracked in a matter of minutes using inexpensive tools.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/06/mifare_hack_finally_published/

+ UK border facial scan tests hit by errors and breakdowns - The Register 6/10/08 +
A trial of automated border control using facial scanners is already in trouble, according to UK Border Agency (UKBA) sources quoted by the Daily Telegraph. The scanners at Manchester airport, said one source, are breaking down on almost a daily basis, and the automatic booths are unable to detect 'tailgating', where two people go through on one passport.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/06/manchester_face_scan_trial/

+ Foreigners' ID cards �£2.8m over budget - Kable 3/10/08 +
The IT cost of identity cards for foreign nationals has risen 29% from �£9.6m to �£12.4m and is running more than a year late
http://tinyurl.com/3edbee

+ ID cards: a badge to prove you’re ‘one of us’ - Spiked 2/10/08 +
New Labour’s ID cards scheme is a desperate attempt to magic up some sense of British togetherness.
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/5774/

+ Shadow home secretary attacks surveillance - Kable 1/10/08 +
Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, has criticised government projects including identity cards in his speech to the Conservative Party conference
http://tinyurl.com/4j8nrk

+ Jacqui Smith unveils the UK's new identity card - Telegraph 26/9/08 +
The UK's first identity card for 60 years has been unveiled by Jacqui Smith - with no sign of the union flag or mention of the word Britain.
http://tinyurl.com/3jutz2

+ Elvis has left the border: ePassport faking guide unleashed - The Register 30/9/08 +
The Hacker's Choice (THC) has released details of a procedure that allows you to "create a backup of your own passport chip(s)" - or, if you were that way inclined, use a modified chip to build a fake ePassport that will not be detected by at least some passport readers.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/30/epassport_hack_description/

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

NO2ID Newsletter 107

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:01 GMT

BULLY-BOY STATE PICKS ON SOFT TARGETS

Desperate to shore up support for the ID scheme, the Home Secretary this week brandished a new plastic card to be issued to some foreign residents from November, calling it an "ID card" for foreign nationals. This cynical branding exercise with its sly appeal to xenophobia should fool no-one.

Having failed to convince industry and employers, the unions and the public at large that ID cards are necessary or desirable, the government has resorted to picking on soft targets - anonymous individuals seeking marriage visas or education - those who have no choice but to keep quiet and comply. And if the statements of junior minister Meg Hiller at Labour Party conference are to be believed, they also intend to target children as young as 14.

Ministers try to give the impression that their National Identity Scheme is inevitable It is not. All the opposition parties are committed to scrapping it and, without the National Identity Register (the database at the heart of the scheme) and with the repeal of the Identity Cards Act we can - and shall - go back to being a free country.

FREEDOM NOT FEAR

On October 11th, freedom-loving people across Europe will be holding a day of protest against the current *international* assault on privacy and civil liberties. NO2ID, the Open Rights Group and others in the UK will be participating with an action in London that YOU can join from anywhere in the UK by simply sending us a photo.

We would like you to send us a picture of 'the database state' in YOUR life. We want images of the signs of mass surveillance, and any form of intrusive ID or state control - cameras, cards, scanners, forms, whatever you like. Take a photograph with your (digital) camera or mobile phone and send a copy to FreedomNotFear@no2id.net

And on October 11th keep any eye out for the big picture...

Many thanks for your Database State stories
Many thanks to all those who have sent their stories of how the database state has affected them. NO2ID is in the middle of putting together a comprehensive briefing document which explains the concept of 'The Database State' and sets out in plain language exactly why it's such bad news for everyone of us in this country. Anyone who would still like to contribute should contact us initially by email at local.groups@no2id.net and we can proceed in the manner most convenient for you. Of course, NO2ID is a privacy organisation and any stories will be treated in the strictest confidence.

What just happened?

Government spins ID scheme by re-announcing "ID cards for foreigners"

Today the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith closed the Labour Party conference by re-announcing "ID cards for foreigners". In fact a system of biometric visas is being introduced for some foreign residents from November but it is not really part of the National Identity Scheme which hasn't been built yet! This fact has not stopped the government using the words "ID cards", together with a sly appeal to xenophobia to drum up support for its unpopular scheme. It seems the BBC knows a thing or two - halfway down an item 'Foreign national ID card unveiled' on its website, there is a video box labelled "How an identity card will work". Knowledge-hungry surfers who clicked the little arrow were confronted with a black screen. It bore the words "This content doesn't seem to be working. Try again later."

NO2ID has an identity crisis at Labour conference

NO2ID's national co-ordinator Phil Booth was unable to get into a Labour Party conference fringe meeting this week because he couldn't get an ID card! Phil was due to debate the ID scheme with Home Office minister Meg Hillier but Labour's pass office in Manchester told him there had been a problem with his application and it would cost him £600 for a temporary pass to enter the conference for an hour! If this is how they organise ID for their own party conference it makes you wonder how the are they going to organise ID cards for 50 million people.

They're coming for your kids - Part 2

This week Meg Hillier told a Labour party conference fringe meeting (the one Phil Booth couldn't get into) that she saw no reason why ID cards couldn't be given to children as young as 14. The Identity and Passport Service has since denied that plans are afoot to lower the age from 16 (as laid out in the ID cards act). Hillier also hinted at attempts to fetter future governments when she said: "There isn't an easy way to unpick this [ID] scheme", and going on to claim, "quite rightly because it is invaluable". Meanwhile Action on Right for Children has put in a Freedom of Information request for the full security review of the government's children's database Contactpoint, following publication of the executive summary and the recent controversy over problems with "shielding" records of vulnerable (see last newsletter).

Germany to renationalise ID producer

Private-sector manufacture of passports and ID cards is too risky, the German government has decided. ID producer Bundesdruckerei, which was privatised eight years ago, is to be bought back by the taxpayer for an undisclosed sum. The move will "safeguard national security interests," the firm says. Its renationalisation "meets a security requirement for awarding Bundesdruckerei GmbH the contract to produce the electronic identity card". The company has been making German ePassports since 2005. ID cards are compulsory in Germany, which plans to phase in eID from 2010. Bundesdruckerei will build a new production plant in Berlin, at a cost of "up to 50 million Euro" (almost £40m).

Data leaks - they're happening everywhere

The dangers of assigning a unique identifier (like the UK National Identity Register number) to every citizen have become all too clear in Norway. Each year, the tax department there sends the media a list of all the country"s taxpayers, and the amount of tax paid. But this time, the CD received by journalists also links each person"s details to the "birth number" that follows every Norwegian from the cradle to the grave. "We've no idea how it happened," a spokesperson said. Large-scale identity theft is now a real possibility.

What's next?

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

New consultation on Connection for Health and secondary uses of patient data
"NHS Connecting for Health are gathering people's views to help them make important decisions about the ways the NHS can use information it collects about patients. Such patient data is mainly used to provide care and treatment but can also have additional uses such as research, auditing the quality and safety of care, management planning, etc. This consultation is focusing on additional uses." Responses should be sent to Chrissy Brand (FREEPOST RRXB-TTRR-HJGB, Tribal Consulting, Palatine Road, Manchester, M22 4DB) by 10th December.
See http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/research/consultation

LOCAL GROUPS NEWS

The size, influence and activity of NO2ID's local group network is unique amongst single-issue campaigning and is growing all the time. Groups raise awareness of the work of NO2ID, inform their local politicians and journalists about the depth of the ID scheme and provide us with our now main method of attracting new members and supporters. Their work is vital and effective and enables us to maintain a relatively high local media presence that many campaigning groups envy. To see if there's a group in your area check our list at http://www.no2id.net/localGroups/
Or, if you're interested in starting a group yourself, please contact Matty on local.groups@no2id.net to discuss what's involved and what we have in place to support coordinators and their groups.

HELP NEEDED - NO2ID LONDON GROUPS
NO2ID groups in London are looking for someone to be an 'events spotter'. The idea is that this person would keep an eye on upcoming happenings at which it might be good for London groups to hold stalls. We're thinking fetes, festivals, political events, talks, community action groups, that sort of thing, but anything where we might be able to reach more potential London supporters would be excellent. It would be primarily an email based role, but London coordinators meet once every three months to discuss tactics, trade advice etc and the events spotting person would be very welcome to attend. Please email Matty Mitford on local.groups@no2id.net for more info.

Birmingham

30th September - Birmingham NO2ID Meeting
Tuesday, 30th September 7.30pm at Bennett's Bar at the junction of Bennett's Hill and Waterloo Street, postcode B2 5RS, in the city centre. At this month's meeting we have a special guest speaker, National Co-ordinator Phil Booth, fresh from the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences, who will offer advice and take questions from local supporters.

Bradford

8th October - 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

1st October - Bristol NO2ID meeting
Wednesday, 1st October at Deco Lounge on Cotham Hill from 7 - 8pm. Come and meet your friendly local campaigners on the first Wednesday of every month.

Cambridge

1st - October NO2ID pub meeting (1st Wednesday of each month)
Wednesday, 1st October 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.

4th October - NO2ID Cambridge Stall
Saturday, 4th October 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 Alex on 07811 917096 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

7th October - Camden and Islington NO2ID Meeting (Now 1st Tuesday of the month)
Tuesday, 7th October at 8pm, at our regular 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). Please note: Our meeting days have changed from 1st Mondays to 1st Tuesdays.

Please join our mailing list to keep up with our activities: http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.camden

Cromer

6th October - Cromer NO2ID Meeting (1st Monday of each month)
Monday, 6th October at 7:30pm, at The White Horse Inn, West Street, Cromer.

Deptford

4th October - NO2ID Deptford Street Stall
Saturday, 4th October in the morning on Deptford High Street. At our last stall we took about 70 signatures. More details from deptford@no2id.net

Dorking

30th September - Dorking NO2ID Social
Tuesday, 30th September from 7:30pm - everyone invited to a social in the Lincoln Arms.

7th October - Dorking NO2ID Meeting *CANCELLED* (usually 1st Tuesday of Month)
Tuesday, 7th October - monthly meeting in October cancelled %u2013 instead everyone invited to a social in the Lincoln Arms on 30th September from 7.30pm.

Dover

27th September - NO2ID Dover Street Stall
Saturday, 27th September from around 10am in FOLKESTONE located in the Sandgate Road precinct, at corner of Westcliff Gardens, weather permitting. All help from local members and supporters welcome. Please contact Ian Taylor at dover@no2id.net if you can be there, or need to arrange transport.

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/

8th October - Edinburgh NO2ID Meeting (* room and start time changed *)
Wednesday, 8th October at 7.45pm in the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL - NB in the Meeting Room. The meeting will be the first since the Home Office "Consultation" at which nine NO2ID demonstrators were arrested. There will be a full report and discussion of the protest, the arrests and what has happened since. Please note that the room and start time have had to be changed since the first announcement. All are welcome at the meeting, as always.

Epsom

Epsom had their first street stall collecting 161 petition signatures in the wind and rain. Next meeting TBA. Still looking for a group coordinator to take things forward quicker. If you are local and can help in any way, please get in touch with Geoff at epsom@no2id.net

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

7th October - Glasgow NO2ID Meeting
Tuesday, 7th October at 8pm in Mono. All welcome.

NEW NO2ID Group for Glasgow University Students and Staff
A new NO2ID group has been formed at Glasgow University. Staff or students interested in getting involved should contact Stephen at GU@glasgow-no2id.org.uk or join the mailing list directly at (http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/glasgow-students). The first meeting will be held on Monday 29th at 19:00 in Usige Beatha on Woodlands Road. There is a map available at (http://www.glasgowonline.co.uk/info/26603/). This is only a temporary meeting place and time until we get on our feet. If anyone knows somewhere better they can bring it up at the meeting. We will be discussing allocation of funds as well as many other exciting things, and having a few drinks... We hope as many of you can make it as possible.

Students at other universities or colleges in the city who would like to set up a similar group are encouraged to contact Geraint at Glasgow@NO2ID.net

Hammersmith and Fulham

Local coordinator, Brian Mooney, is keen to hear from anyone who can help him with generating activity in the Hammersmith & Fulham area. Brian welcomes your thoughts and your questions, and can be contacted via: hammersmith@no2id.net or on 07976 414913

If you are interested in the work of the Hammersmith and Fulham group, please join the mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.hammersmith-and-fulham

Maidstone

16th October Maidstone NO2ID meeting
Thursday, 16th October, at 6.30pm, at The Muggleton Inn, High St, Maidstone.

Manchester

For updates and discussion, join the Manchester NO2ID mailing list at http://manchester.no2id.net/

Manchester NO2ID unleash a new weapon in the war against the database state
See http://manchester.no2id.net/story/stop-id-cards-and-database-cake

Students Against ID at Manchester University ramps up for an energetic new year with 300 members at Freshers' Fair
See http://manchester.no2id.net/students

Manchester NO2ID at the Labour Party Conference
Manchester NO2ID and the British Computer Society ran a successful public meeting "Privacy and Security in the Database State" with Phil Booth of NO2ID and Becky Hogge from the Open Rights Group. Labour Party Conference delegates claimed to be largely opposed to ID cards in a straw poll conducted by Manchester NO2ID supporters as they flyered the conference queue each morning of conference.

11th October - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall
Saturday, 11th October 2pm-4pm in St. Anne's Square, Manchester. Newcomers, committed and curious welcome.

15th October - Manchester NO2ID meeting
Wednesday, 15th October 7pm-9pm in the upstairs function room of the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester.

Mold

6th October - NO2ID Mold Meeting (1st Monday of every month)
Monday, 6th October 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

Newcastle

1st October - NO2ID Newcastle Relaunch Meeting (and the 1st Wednesday of month thereafter)
Wednesday, 1st October from 7.30pm at Centre Against Unemployment, 4 Cloth Market, Newcastle, NE1 1EE and every first Wednesday after that, same venue and time. Everyone is welcome, newcomer or not, curious or committed. Bring a friend. Further details: Nathan Allonby on newcastle@no2id.net

If you're unable to attend but are interested in the activity of the group, please join the Newcastle mailing list on: http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.newcastle

Oxford
27th September - NO2ID Oxford Street Stall
Saturday, 27th September from 11am for a couple of hours on Cornmarket Street, Oxford. It helps if you let us know if you%u2019re going to lend a hand so drop us an email if you fancy coming along (oxford@no2id.net)

2nd October - Oxford NO2ID Meeting (1st Thursday of month)
Thursday, 2nd October 8pm at the Mitre on the High Street in Oxford. More details at http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1104777

Plymouth

27th September - Plymouth NO2ID Street Stall
Saturday 27th September from 9:00am - 5:00pm at Armada Way, Plymouth City Centre. If you're interested in helping with the stall, contact Simon on plymouth@no2id.net. For more information about the group, please join the mailing list on http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.plymouth

Selby

27th September - Selby NO2ID Street Stall, York
Saturday, 27th September 10.30am in Parliament Street, York.

12st October - Selby NO2ID Meeting
Tuesday, 21st October 8pm at the Blue Bell, Monk Fryston.

Shrewsbury

18th October - Shrewsbury NO2ID street stall
Saturday, 18th October (weather permitting) between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Pride Hill. Drop by and say hello - if you can stay a little longer you are welcome to help by handing out leaflets and chatting to people.

20th October - Shrewsbury NO2ID pub Meeting (3rd Monday of the month)
Monday, 20th October 7.15pm until about 9pm we will be meeting at the Armoury, Victoria Quay, Victoria Avenue, Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury (see www.armoury-shrewsbury.co.uk). Look for a table with NO2ID leaflets scattered around it. Most of us will be eating, or just come for a drink. The St Austin's Street car park behind the Armoury is free of charge after 8pm.

Southampton

1st October - Southampton NO2ID Meeting (1st Wednesday of the month)
Wednesday 3rd October 8pm at the Dolphin pub, Osborne Road South, Southampton (next to St Denys train station). All are welcome. Email Sharni, shoshannah@gmail.com for more info/directions.

2nd October - Screening of "Taking Liberties" hosted by Southampton NO2ID
Thursday, 2nd October 7.30pm at The Art House, 81a Bedford Place Southampton. Booking required: please phone 02380 238582 or email info@thearthousesouthampton.co.uk No fee but donations welcome.

Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells

Please do drop by at one of our forthcoming stalls, or even volunteer to help (we break you in gently!) . We will soon be starting monthly pub-based meetings for the winter - watch this space.

27th September - Street Stall Tunbridge Wells
Saturday, 27th September 11.00 - 13:00 at pedestrian precinct, opposite Victoria Centre shopping centre. If you want to help please do drop us a line at tunbridge.wells@no2id.net.

4th October - First-ever Sevenoaks Stall !!
Saturday, 4th October 11.00 - 13:00, location to be decided. If you want to help please do drop us a line at tunbridge.wells@no2id.net.

16th October - "The Database State" debate
Thursday, 16th October 7.30pm at The Skinners' School, St John's Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PG. Greg Clark MP will chair two teams of students quizzing Daniel Zeichner (Labour Party Spokesman) and Phil Booth (National Coordinator of NO2ID). We are still in active discussions with Meg Hillier's office regarding this event, and hope very much that Ms Hillier will be game for an open, public debate on the topic. Watch this space.

Watford

7th October - Watford NO2ID 1st Meeting
Tuesday, 7th October, 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 or Tony 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

"ID" in the news

Anger as Jacqui Smith prepares to unveil ID card design - The Telegraph 25/9/08
The design of the Government's controversial ID card is to be unveiled by Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, in what critics have labelled a "softening up exercise" to win public approval.
http://tinyurl.com/42ncxx

Deadlock over ID card move - Financial Times 24/9/08
Talks over the summer have failed to resolve the deadlock over plans for an accelerated introduction of identity cards to airport staff, the Financial Times has learnt %u2013 a situation that threatens to derail government efforts to push ahead with a national roll-out.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0166b804-8a7c-11dd-a76a-0000779fd18c.html

Migrant ID cards to be unveiled - The Sun 24/9/08
The first ID card for foreign nationals will be unveiled by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith tomorrow. The credit card-like pass will replace stickers and other immigration documents which have been subject to fraud.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1727728.ece

Scotland reviews rules on DNA - Kable 23/9/08
A two month consultation exercise will consider proposals to allow police to retain forensic evidence taken from suspects who are dealt with by a fine, compensation or work order, rather than prosecuted in courts.
http://www.kablenet.com/kd.nsf/FrontpageRSS/2DB0A2EC59F4DFE5802574CD0044C3C8!OpenDocument

Labour minister says 14 year olds should get ID cards - The Register 23/9/08
A government minister has spoken glowingly of the prospect of kids as young as six handing over their biometrics as she boasted that the Tories and LibDems would find it impossible to unpick the government%u2019s ID card scheme.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/23/id_cards_offies/

ePassport tests put biometrics through their paces - The Register 19/9/08
Results have emerged from tests held in Prague last week designed to put 'second-generation' electronic passports through their paces, and guess what - no-one failed. The tests are partly designed to address recent security and privacy concerns about electronic passports that feature RFID chips containing biometric data.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/19/eu_epassport_tests/

Government whittles down ID scheme suppliers - ZDNet 17/9/08
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has further whittled down the companies shortlisted to deliver parts of the ID card system and passport-application scheme.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39489326,00.htm

Anger as car journey data stored - Evening Standard 15/9/08
Civil liberties campaigners have expressed alarm that millions of car journeys are to be stored on a national database for five years. Already some 10 million journeys a day are being recorded using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), but this is set to rise to 50 million. It will be collated at a new National ANPR Data Centre in Hendon, north London, for use by police.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23555544-details/Anger as car journey data stored/article.do

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