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Newsletter No.156
As we move into party conference season, it is time for NO2ID to see who in politics has really grasped our message – and to look forward. Have the Coalition’s fine words about rolling back the database state been fulfilled as action? Will the new Labour leader move the party from its authoritarian stance against personal privacy?
Though ContactPoint has now been switched off and the data is being securely deleted, ID cards are not yet dead. There are some encouraging signs – for example, the government has just announced it is scrapping the database being developed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) that was originally intended to be the ‘biographical’ component of the National Identity Register. But the Bill to abolish the ID scheme has not yet passed, despite the Coalition’s undertaking to get rid of ID cards in its first 100 days.
NO2ID is less worried about an arbitrary deadline than doing the job properly. In its current form the Identity Documents Bill has serious flaws, including the creation of a ’shadow register’ in a new legal category of “personal information”. Your representatives (perhaps party colleagues) should not be allowed to gloss over this. We look to the government to address these problems at Report stage and Third Reading in the Commons on 15th September.
Meanwhile, the Coalition has broken its promise to put patients in control of their health records. Hundreds of thousands of people are still having medical details uploaded to the Summary Care Record (SCR) system each month without their consent. The SCR does not deliver its claimed benefits. Over 80% of patients simply don’t know they have a choice to make. But ministers are ignoring the Coalition agreement and pursuing a process that the BMA has said should be stopped.
The Coalition’s actions, even at this early stage, are not consistent with its commitments. That ought to be a political liability for the government parties.
If you are attending any of the party conferences, please do get in touch with Phil Booth via e-mail on national.coordinator@no2id.net. Phil will let you know what NO2ID is doing at each conference, and may be able to meet with NO2ID supporters in each conference venue.
+ NO2ID Email Problems +
Apologies to anyone trying to e-mail us in the last week or so and who experienced problems. We’ve been trying to reduce the amount of spam or junk mail we receive and this had an unexpected knock-on effect of significantly delaying mail. If you did send an e-mail to the campaign between 16-25th August and haven’t received a response, please could you send your message again.
- Adam, for the Systems Team
Hidden away in the Cabinet Office ‘Draft Structural Reform Plan’, page 5, Action 3.4(i) is a very strange action item that reads: “Support Department for Education and Home Office in decommissioning / reshaping Contact Point and ID Cards”. This reference in the reform plan was not lost on David Moss (IT professional and author of ‘Dematerialised ID’ – an alternative proposal to ID cards (http://dematerialisedid.com)). Moss submitted written evidence to the Identity Documents Bill Public Committee as it scrutinised the bill. Moss pointed out that: “If the Identity Documents Bill were properly drafted” the effect on the previous government’s transformational government strategy “would be calamitous”. But he warns that the impact assessment of the Bill “suggests that the effect is only mild” and he goes on: “the fact that the Cabinet Office is already talking about reshaping ID cards rather than devising a new strategy that doesn’t rely on ID cards” – underlines the weakness of the bill as drafted. The bill passed through committee stage with no amendments. Transformational Government was part of the previous government’s grand vision for the wholesale abolition of privacy.
Read the reform plan at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/414879/srp-cabinet-office.pdf
Read Moss’s submission at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/identity/memo/mid08.htm
ContactPoint may have gone but in Scotland they still have the ‘Getting It Right For Every Child’ (GIRFEC) programme. GIRFEC, like ContactPoint, is about the collection and sharing of data about children and beyond, for instance some of the data collected for GIRFEC Child Health records include: ‘Child and Family Details’, ‘Chronology of Significant Events’, ‘Immunisation Status’, ‘Changes to Child & Family Details’, ‘Mother’s Chronology of Significant Events’, ‘Family Member Health Care Plan Evaluation Form’, ‘Extraordinary Information’. Clearly there is more work still to be done to expose and roll back the database state.
See http://www.forhighlandschildren.org/htm/girfec/gir-publications/phnr-separate-forms&guidance-aug09/phnr-contents-list.pdf
and http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/childrensservices/girfec/programme-overview
We have been contacted by supporters who have completed the ongoing Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) DNA Database Survey. One supporter points out that some questions were far too black and white such as ‘Would you give your DNA voluntarily to help solve a crime?’ answer, yes or no. No option for anything in between such as it being dependent on no retention of the DNA. The supporter concludes: “Too many questionnaires are worked out to prevent people giving answers not required by those setting the questionnaire I think”.
The survey is online until 31st August at http://surveys.mpa.gov.uk/v.asp?i=23844lyrxl
++ Notice of Annual General Meeting ++
+ 23rd October – NO2ID Annual General Meeting +
The NO2ID Annual General Meeting 2010 will take place on Saturday 23rd October 2010, at 12 noon at 55 Tufton Street, LONDON SW1P 3QL (these are the premises that now house NO2ID’s administrative offices.) All paid up members of the Association and full affiliates are entitled to attend and vote. This notice is being sent to all members and previous members for whom we have a current address. For the purpose of the meeting the membership roll will be taken at midday on Friday 8th October 2010, so if your membership/affiliation has lapsed or will lapse by the date of the AGM, please renew before that date (early renewals will be counted as extensions of your present membership). Written nominations for the Advisory Board, the governing body of the Association, should be proposed and seconded by members in good standing and sent to The Secretary, NO2ID , Box 412, 19/21 Crawford Street LONDON W1H 1PJ to arrive before close of business on Friday 8th October 2010. In order that the business of the meeting may be better conducted we would appreciate it if any motions for consideration of the meeting were presented in writing in advance of the meeting, but there is no obligation so to do.
+ Before 31st August – Take part in Metropolitan Police Authority DNA Database Survey +
The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) want to know your views on the National DNA Database and the use of DNA in policing. The survey closes on Tuesday 31 August 2010. The review will be published on the MPA website once completed. You can complete the questionnaire online or by calling 020 7202 0233 to request a paper copy (with freepost envelope) or telephone questionnaire.
To take part visit http://surveys.mpa.gov.uk/v.asp?i=23844lyrxl
+ 11th September – Open Tech 2010 sponsored by data.gov.uk +
Saturday 11th September – ULU, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HY. 40 talks across 3 tracks over 7 hours, on crowds, earthquakes and battlefronts, which hope to challenge, inspire or talk about something that makes you want to get involved. OpenTech 2010 includes earthquakes of the metaphorical and physical kind, ForTheWin, enlightenment and the environment, and with plenty of time to talk in the bar after sessions which challenge, inspire or talk about something that makes you want to help how you can. The last two times we have sold out in advance, so you are strongly advised to pre-register. Tickets only £5, students Free Entry. See http://www.ukuug.org/events/opentech2010/
+ Date TBC – Identity Documents Bill 3rd Reading +
The Identity Documents Bill has now completed its Committee Stage and will next have its Report Stage and 3rd Reading in the House of Commons before moving on to the House of Lords. Follow the bill’s progress at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/identitydocuments.html
+ More than 200 public sector staff caught snooping on citizen records – Computer Weekly 25/8/10 +
The number of public sector workers caught snooping on personal records in the government’s largest citizen database continues to grow, with the total now 225 – and the true figure could be higher still.
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/08/25/242514/More-than-200-public-sector-staff-caught-snooping-on-citizen.htm
+ New passport design unveiled – Yahoo News 25/8/10 +
The Home Office has revealed details of the new UK passport including enhanced security features and images of popular UK tourist attractions.
http://uk.travel.yahoo.com/p-promo-3359736
+ Home Office unveils new UK passport – The Register 25/8/10 +
The Home Office has said that new UK passports with ’strengthened security features’ will be issued from October. To make the passports more secure, the chip which stores the holder’s details has been moved to the inside of the passport cover so it will no longer be visible, the Home Office said.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/25/new_passport/
+ Human Recognition Systems to partner with Thales in Home Office programme – RealWire 25/8/10 +
Human Recognition Systems to partner with Thales in a Home Office programme to find the airport security technology of the future
http://www.realwire.com/releases/Human-Recognition-Systems-to-partner-with-Thales-in-a-Home-Office-programme-to-find-the-airport-security-technology-of-the-future
+ ID cards not ‘history within 100 days’ – Public Service 24/8/10 +
ID card scrapping is late, but campaigners hope this is a sign of ‘a proper job’ from the government. On coming to power Home Secretary Theresa May said that the abolition of ID cards was a priority.
http://www.publicservice.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=13928
+ Citizen data sharing system abandoned – Computing 23/8/10 +
The government has decided not to go ahead with long-standing plans to create a database containing the personal records of every UK citizen.
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2268594/citizen-sharing-system
+ Minister hints that libel reform will create privacy law – The Register 18/8/10 +
A justice minister has said that there is “consensus” that a privacy law is needed, though he stopped short of committing the government to introducing one. A fellow senior Liberal Democrat said Parliament needed to “get hold” of privacy law
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/18/mcnally_libel_privacy/
(Please send me any items of interest you encounter – Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )
+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +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 James on local.groups@no2id.net to discuss what’s involved and what we have in place to support coordinators and their groups.
+ Brighton +
+16th September – Brighton Screening of Erasing David+
On Thursday 16th September, 7.30pm at The Caroline Of Brunswick pub (Upstairs), 39 Ditchling Road, Brighton – Brighton NO2ID is hosting a screening of Erasing David – a documentary that follows the life of film-maker David Bond, who upon receiving a letter from HMRC informing him that his daughter’s details were amongst the 25 million lost by the child benefit agency, embarks on a journey to discover just how much information is held about him by government and private companies. We are pleased to announce that the film-maker David Bond and the producer Ashley Jones will be joined by Phil Booth, National co-ordinator for NO2ID at this event to discuss both making the film and the continued fight to protect people from the Database State. There will be a suggested donation for entry, please contact brighton@no2id.net for further information and to enquire about booking a limited seat.
+ Cambridge +
The Cambridge group is planning a celebration when the bill abolishing the ID Cards scheme is actually passed. This now seems likely to be in October or November. Watch this space for details …
+ Camden & Islington +
+ 7th September – Camden & Islington (1st Tuesday of month) – 8.00pm +
At The Kings Head (probably in the beer garden at the back), 59 Essex Rd, Islington. All welcome.
For more info email camden@no2id.net or join the mailing list at: (http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.camden).
+ Dorking +
+ 5th September – Dorking NO2ID Celebration Party – NEW DATE+
Our celebration to mark the end of ID Cards will now be on 5th September at Keepers Cottage, Wellhouse Lane, Betchworth RH3 7HH, from 1.30pm.
If you would like to help or get involved with the Dorking group, contact Geoff Cox (dorking@no2id.net or 01306 631377).
+ Edinburgh +
+ Saturdays 1pm – 3pm – Edinburgh NO2ID 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/
+ Manchester +
Augusts’s street stall and meeting were cancelled but things should be back to normal in September.
For information on Manchester NO2ID see http://manchester.no2id.net/ or contact Dave Page on manchester@no2id.net or 07722 615 398.
+ Norwich +
If you are interested in the work of the Norwich group, please join their mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.norwich
You can change how you receive our newsletter, or cancel it, by using the ‘Unsubscribe or edit options’ form at the bottom of this page:http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id-supporters
If you have any problems, please send an e-mail to listmaster@no2id.net
Publication details: © NO2ID 2010 – This document may be freely redistributed in one-to-one communications or physical copies as long as it is reproduced in its entirety including this notice. It may not be mass-mailed without the prior permission of NO2ID.NO2ID, Box 412, 19-21 Crawford Street, LONDON W1H 1PJ
Share and Enjoy:Newsletter No.155
Up to now NO2ID has had reason to be pleased with the new government. It may not have moved as certainly or as far as we would like on mass surveillance projects, but it has shown willing, quickly cutting back the ID scheme and cancelling ContactPoint. But this week’s
pre-announcement of the idea of using credit-reference agencies to detect benefit fraud is a sign that the ideas of “Transformational Government” have not vanished from Whitehall alongside the terminology.
No-one wants to promote fraud. But that does not mean anything claimed to be an anti-fraud measure is worth its other consequences. The details of the scheme are very sketchy so far, but NO2ID will be taking a very close interest in the costs to privacy as well as the cost-effectiveness of any mass data-sharing that it involves. Fishing expeditions to turn up suspects are a very different matter from targeted investigations. ‘Computer says no,’ would be a weird way to run a welfare system.
We need to be alert to how information about individuals is used. It must be limited to one purpose, not passed on in detail to government departments where there will be a temptation to find other uses. Nor must the contractors be rewarded without responsibility. They should be subject to the same data-protection spot-checks as would DWP doing the same work for itself. And if they are to be paid a bounty for catching fraudsters, then we should also ask about compensation for intrusions and erroneous accusations against honest people.
Turning to databases and information-sharing as a magic answer to intractable old problems was a bad habit of the previous administration. If the Cameron government takes up that habit, then NO2ID will fight it every step of the way.
What just happened? + ContactPoint switch off and the Database State +William Heath from the IdealGovernment website was interviewed on the BBC’s Today programme last week about the switch off of the ContactPoint database. When asked why ContactPoint was created Heath said: “I think it was muddled thinking, I think there was an idea that huge technology systems, huge centralised databases would solve all society’s social problems. It met the politicians fallacy of something must be done, here is something – but it was profoundly ill conceived.” Heath is a founder of MyDex, a community interest company set up to help people to protect and realise the value of their personal data as they transact online. On the Database State Heath said: “We should see it in terms of a problem of data logistics. The idea that all the organisations we deal with can gather ever larger amounts of personal data about us and that this will somehow determine our needs and preferences and keep us safe is a fallacy.” When host John Humphreys threw out the well worn “nothing to hide, nothing to fear”, Heath responded: “I think that those who think they have nothing to hide aren’t living life properly and ought to be ashamed of themselves.”
Listen to the short interview at http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8891000/8891551.stm
The government announced this week that it plans to use data obtained by credit reference agencies to gather evidence of benefit fraud. In his book ‘No Place to Hide’, Robert O’Harrow Jr. looks at companies that harvest databases for data matching and profiling in the United States. The government has stated that what the credit agencies do is perfectly legal. In a 1998 Washington Post article O’Harrow wrote about a credit agency in the USA called Acxiom, he wrote: “What Acxiom does is perfectly legal – bringing together an array of facts from scattered sources. But the phenomenon known as “data warehousing” or “datamining” represents yet another example of how traditional notions of personal privacy have become obsolete, outstripped by technology’s ability to peer into personal lives.”
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/frompost/march98/privacy8.htm
and http://noplacetohide.net/
A comic book called “Under surveillance” described as “an information and awareness tool for young adults” is available to download from the European Digital Rights (EDRi) website. The comic was created within the European project “Sensitization and information of young European citizens on the protection of their personal data” and was coordinated by the French League of Human Rights (LDH), in partnership with the European Association for the Defense of Human Rights (AEDH), European Digital Rights (EDRi), the Czech association Iuridicum Remedium (IuRe) and the Spanish association Comunicació per a la Cooperació (Pangea).
See http://www.edri.org/campaigns/comic-book-under-surveillance
+ Before 31st August – Take part in Metropolitan Police Authority DNA Database Survey +
The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) want to know your views on the National DNA Database and the use of DNA in policing. The survey closes on Tuesday 31 August 2010. The review will be published on the MPA website once completed. You can complete the questionnaire online or by calling 020 7202 0233 to request a paper copy (with freepost envelope) or telephone questionnaire.
To take part visit http://surveys.mpa.gov.uk/v.asp?i=23844lyrxl
+ Date TBC – Identity Documents Bill 3rd Reading +
The Identity Documents Bill has now completed its Committee Stage and will next have its Report Stage and 3rd Reading in the House of Commons before moving on to the House of Lords. Follow the bill’s progress at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/identitydocuments.html
+ NHS patient record leaflet campaign halted – Channel 4 News 12/8/10 +
The Government has ordered health authorities to stop mailing out information leaflets on the system designed to put patient records on to a central computer system because of concerns that it did not make it clear how people could opt out.
See http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/science_technology/nhs+patient+record+leaflet+campaign+halted/3741962
+ ICO warns coalition on benefits snooping plan – The Register 11/8/10 +
The Information Commissioner has asked coalition ministers to explain their plans to use credit reference agencies to gather evidence of benefit fraud, citing privacy concerns. Christopher Graham today said he has requested a meeting with the welfare minister Lord Freud.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/11/experian_benefits/
+ Privacy fears over the benefit bounty hunters – Daily Mail 11/8/10 +
Ministers are to press ahead with controversial plans to use private sector ‘bounty hunters’ to track down benefit cheats, despite concerns about the impact on civil liberties. David Cameron yesterday confirmed Government plans to use credit agencies to trawl through the records of benefit claimants to look for evidence of extra income.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1301898/David-Cameron-says-credit-firms-best-way-catch-fraudsters.html
+ Where’s the benefit in private sector chasing welfare cheats? – The Herald 11/8/10 +
The Tories objected to the multi-billion-pound cost and fretted a little over civil liberties. The LibDems inveighed against the surveillance society and objected, as a footnote, to mad bureaucratic extravagance.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/ian-bell/where-s-the-benefit-in-private-sector-chasing-welfare-cheats-1.1047529
+ Databases can’t fix society. But society can fix the databases – Ideal Government 8/8/10 +
The closure of ContactPoint and the onset of the Databankendämmerung is – let’s say it again – cause for celebration. It’s also cause for congratulation to those who campaigned long and hard, with negligeable resources, against the brick wall of prevailing wisdom to get rid of it.
http://idealgovernment.com/2010/08/databases-cant-fix-society-but-society-can-fix-the-databases/
+ ContactPoint database was ’surrogate ID card for children’, says minister – The Telegraph 7/8/10 +
Labour’s controversial child protection database has been switched off, with a minister dismissing it as a “surrogate ID card scheme”.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/7930552/ContactPoint-database-was-surrogate-ID-card-for-children-says-minister.html
+ UK.gov finally kills ContactPoint – The Register 7/8/10 +
So, farewell then, ContactPoint, the database we never quite came to love. In the end, it was victim to straitened economic circumstances and lacking the courage of its own convictions
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/07/contactpoint_dead/
+ Decision day arrives for CfH and NPfIT – e-Health Insider 5/8/10 +
The National Programme for IT in the NHS is set to end in its current guise, with plans tabled for further deep cuts, and the name NHS Connecting for Health to be dropped.
http://www.e-health-insider.com/news/6136/decision_day_arrives_for_cfh_and_npfit
(Please send me any items of interest you encounter – Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )
+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +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 James on local.groups@no2id.net to discuss what’s involved and what we have in place to support coordinators and their groups.
+ Brighton +
+16th September – Brighton Screening of Erasing David+
On Thursday 16th September, 7.30pm at The Caroline Of Brunswick pub (Upstairs), 39 Ditchling Road, Brighton – Brighton NO2ID are hosting a screening of Erasing David a documentary that follows the life of film-maker David Bond, who upon receiving a letter from HMRC informing him that his daughter’s details were amongst the 25 million lost by the child benefit agency, embarks on a journey to discover just how much information is held about him by government and private companies. We are pleased to announce that the film-maker David Bond and the producer Ashley Jones will be joined by Phil Booth, National co-ordinator for NO2ID at this event to discuss both making the film and the continued fight to protect people from the Database State. There will be a suggested donation for entry, please contact brighton@no2id.net for further information and to enquire about booking a limited seat.
+ Cambridge +
The Cambridge group is planning a celebration when the bill abolishing the ID Cards scheme is actually passed. This now seems likely to be in October or November. Watch this space for details …
+ Camden & Islington +
+ 7th September – Camden & Islington (1st Tuesday of month) – 8.00pm +
At The Kings Head (probably in the beer garden at the back), 59 Essex Rd, Islington. All welcome.
For more info email camden@no2id.net or join the mailing list at: (http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.camden).
+ Dorking +
+ 5th September – Dorking NO2ID Celebration Party – NEW DATE+
Our celebration to mark the end of ID Cards will now be on 5th September at Keepers Cottage, Wellhouse Lane, Betchworth RH3 7HH, from 1.30pm.
If you would like to help or get involved with the Dorking group, contact Geoff Cox (dorking@no2id.net or 01306 631377).
+ Edinburgh +
+ Saturdays 1pm – 3pm – Edinburgh NO2ID 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/
+ Manchester +
+ 8th August – Cancelled – Manchester NO2ID Monthly Meeting +
This month’s street stall and meeting has been cancelled. Things should be back to normal in September.
For information on Manchester NO2ID see http://manchester.no2id.net/ or contact Dave Page on manchester@no2id.net or 07722 615 398.
+ Norwich +
If you are interested in the work of the Norwich group, please join their mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.norwich
+ Sheffield +
+ 25th August – Sheffield NO2ID Meeting +
Wednesday 25th August, 7.30pm at the Harlequin pub, 108 Nursery St, Sheffield, S3 8GG (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=s3+8gg). This meeting is to discuss Sheffield NO2ID’s future priorities and direction in tackling the Database State under the new government. The meeting room is upstairs. We usually congregate in the bar shortly before the meeting. Please ask the bar staff if you can’t find us.
http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id-supporters
If you have any problems, please send an e-mail to listmaster@no2id.net
Publication details: © NO2ID 2010 – This document may be freely redistributed in one-to-one communications or physical copies as long as it is reproduced in its entirety including this notice. It may not be mass-mailed without the prior permission of NO2ID.NO2ID, Box 412, 19-21 Crawford Street, LONDON W1H 1PJ
Share and Enjoy:Newsletter No.154
Parliament is in recess, so now is a good time to take stock of the coalition’s few weeks in office. Has the database state rolled back?
The Identity Documents Bill – which will repeal the Identity Cards Act – is still in the Commons. Some improvements have been made, but the threat of officially registered identity, a ’shadow Register’, remains. And much of the infrastructure is still being built on other Home Office pretexts. How many ID-scheme contracts will the Coalition terminate?
It *has* just sacked the lead contractor of the e-Borders programme, shutting down development temporarily. We are delighted to report that ContactPoint will end at noon on August 6th, with all data to be deleted safely.
Unfortunately the Coalition’s actions are not consistent. Last week, more people’s medical details were added to the Summary Care Record system than in any single week to date – 132,000. Most won’t even have known they had a chance to make a choice. Saying you’ll “give patients control of their records” while allowing well over half a million people’s details to be sucked into a system that gives it irrevocably to NHS management is not just breaking a promise. It shows the bureaucracy is still in control.
We can only hope the promised Freedom Bill will be better. That the million innocent people will be removed from the DNA database soon. But with retention of internet and e-mail records, ANPR, and dozens of other information sharing schemes still going forwards, there’s plenty still to put right.
NO2ID will be working hard over the summer. The database state hasn’t gone away and neither should we.
Thank you as ever for your support – it will be needed more than ever as we begin to push for positive protections and effective safeguards to secure the individual privacy against the database state.
What just happened? + ContactPoint database scrapped +The government has announced that from noon on 6th August, all access to the ContactPoint database – the centralised index of every child and family in England – will be shut off and the data destroyed within two months of the closure. Terri Dowty, of Action for Rights for Children (ARCH) said: “An enormous range of systems has been developed for monitoring children in an attempt to predict whether they will become criminals, get pregnant or fail their exams. These must also go, so that we can turn our attention back to genuine child protection.” There are fears that local authorities may seek to introduce substitute systems, creating a patchwork of systems, with even fewer constraints and weaker oversight.
+ Identity Documents Bill to be passed by December (or sooner…) +As parliament entered summer recess this week, the government laid out its plans in a document entitled ‘Political Reform Draft Structural Reform Plan’. In the civil liberties section it states: “Take Identity Documents Bill through parliament to scrap ID cards and the National Identity Register and halt work on having fingerprints on passports”, with an end date of December 2010, though the plan also says: “We have adopted a cautious view of the timescales for delivering all legislative measures due to the unpredictability of pressures on Parliamentary time.” The government had originally wanted to get the bill through before the summer holidays. Let’s hope continued delay will allow time to address NO2ID’s concerns about the bill’s content.
Download the document at http://www.number10.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/Draft-Political-Reform-SRP.pdf
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has finally responded to a Freedom of Information request relating to quotes on the ‘Using your identity card’ web page. The IPS was asked how many of the people quoted on the web page “work for IPS, the Home Office or any other government department or agency?” Their response: “We can confirm that eight of the nine people quoted on the website at the time either worked for the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), the Home Office or another government department or agency.”
See http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/quotes_on_using_your_identity_ca
The original web page is at:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100304151554/http://ips.gov.uk/cps/rde/xchg/ips_live/hs.xsl/1436.htm
Hampshire GP, Dr Neil Bhatia reports that the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has provided some guidance for GPs who wish to opt out their patients en masse from the Summary Care Records system. The ICO regards the en masse opting-out of patients as “processing of data” and so as such it falls under the Data Protection Act. Accordingly, patients must be informed that this is happening – fair processing information must be provided. This allows GPs to switch to what is effectively an opt-in model for the care record.
See http://www.neilb.demon.co.uk/download/ICO_ENQ0322622.pdf
For more information on Summary care Records see http://www.no2id.net/downloads/SCR_bad_idea.pdf
An Early Day Motion (EDM 186) introduced in the House of Commons calling on the government to halt all Summary Care Record uploads is still slowly gaining the support. If you have not already done so please consider writing to your MP asking them to sign Early Day Motion 186.
Read the motion at http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=41109&SESSION=905
+ Before 31st August – Take part in Metropolitan Police Authority DNA Database Survey +
The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) want to know your views on the National DNA Database and the use of DNA in policing. The survey closes on Tuesday 31 August 2010. The review will be published on the MPA website once completed. You can complete the questionnaire online or by calling 020 7202 0233 to request a paper copy (with freepost envelope) or telephone questionnaire.
To take part visit http://surveys.mpa.gov.uk/v.asp?i=23844lyrxl
+ Date TBC – Identity Documents Bill 3rd Reading +
The Identity Documents Bill has now completed its Committee Stage and will next have its Report Stage and 3rd Reading in the House of Commons before moving on to the House of Lords.Follow the bill’s progress at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/identitydocuments.html
+ ID card astroturf – NO2ID beats the truth out of IPS – The Register 29/7/10 +
A cackling Phil Booth, NO2ID National Coordinator, writes to tell us that six months after he first pestered the Identity & Passport Service about its quotes from ID card-toting happy campers in its publicity material, it has confessed – um yes, all but one of those quoted worked for the government.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/29/ips_id_card_astroturf/
+ No ID, no vote – Daily Mail 28/7/10 +
Voters should be required to present proof of identity when they go to the polls as part of a massive overhaul of Britain’s voting system, the official elections watchdog said today.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1297933/Watchdog-calls-immediate-action-prevent-repeat-election-chaos.html
+ Boycott the electronic patient record, senior GP urges others – Daily Telegraph 28/7/10 +
Dr Paul Cundy, former chairman of the British Medical Association’s IT committee has urged GPs across the country to block the uploading of patient records at their surgeries.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7912895/Boycott-the-electronic-patient-record-senior-GP-urges-others.html
+ Fresh concerns over e-borders scheme – Manx radio 26/7/10 +
Fresh problems with the UK government’s e-borders scheme approved by Tynwald earlier this month could mean huge changes to the way it’s set up. So says long-standing critic of the plan Tristram Llewellyn Jones after the UK government sacked contractor Raytheon Systems. The company was fired after it admitted work to create a database of traveller’s movements and information was at least a year behind schedule.
http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=46515
+ The danger of a national NHS database – Daily Telegraph 26/7/10 +
Three’s no point in participating in the NHS database when no one is responsible for ensuring records are accurate or relevant.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthadvice/jameslefanu/7907482/The-danger-of-a-national-NHS-database.html
+ Yorkshire police plan mobile fingerprint scanners – Kable 20/7/10 +
South Yorkshire Police is planning to equip some officers with fingerprint scanners to use with BlackBerrys at the end of the year.
http://www.kable.co.uk/west-yorkshire-barnsley-police-mobile-fingerprint-scanners-20jul10
+ Fears over new EU snooping powers for police – Daily Telegraph 16/7/10 +
The proposed power would allow officers from an EU country to demand information on anyone they suspect of an offence, no matter how minor or whether it is even criminal in the UK. The directive would see UK police almost powerless to prevent the handing over of personal details such as DNA, bank account or even telephone records.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/7893047/Fears-over-new-EU-snooping-powers-for-police.html
(Please send me any items of interest you encounter – Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )
+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS +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 James on local.groups@no2id.net to discuss what’s involved and what we have in place to support coordinators and their groups.
+ Cambridge +
Cambridge NO2ID media coverage
Cambridge NO2ID got news coverage in the local papers this week when we welcomed the announcement of the switch-off date for ContactPoint:
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge/Campaigners-delighted-as-224m-child-database-axed.htm
The Cambridge group is planning a celebration when the bill abolishing the ID Cards scheme is actually passed. It now looks as though this will be after parliament’s summer recess, in September. Watch this space for details …
+ Camden & Islington +
+ 3rd August – Camden & Islington (1st Tuesday of month) +
8.00pm at The Kings Head (in the beer garden), 59 Essex Rd, Islington. All welcome.
For more info email camden@no2id.net or join the mailing list at: (http://www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.camden).
+ Dorking +
+ 8th August – Dorking NO2ID Celebration Party +
No monthly meeting for August – instead we are having a celebration party on Sunday 8th August in Betchworth. More details on application, but hopefully I’ll be in touch with everyone who has helped out over the last two and a half years.
If you would like to help or get involved with the Dorking group, contact Geoff Cox (dorking@no2id.net or 01306 631377).
+ Glasgow +
Identity guidelines delayed
Publication of the Scottish Government’s Identity Management and Privacy Guidelines has now been delayed until Autumn 2010 – they were previously expected to be ready for this summer. Further information about the guidelines is available on the Scottish Government’s website:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/PublicServiceReform/efficientgovernment/DIMPPolicy
+ Edinburgh +
+ Saturdays 1pm – 3pm – Edinburgh NO2ID 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/
+ Manchester +
+ 8th August – Manchester NO2ID Monthly Meeting +
Saturday 8th August, 1-2pm, at The Moon Under Water, Deansgate, Manchester. The pub is just opposite St Ann’s Square and serves food.
For information on Manchester NO2ID see http://manchester.no2id.net/ or contact Dave Page on manchester@no2id.net or 07722 615 398.
+ Norwich +
If you are interested in the work of the Norwich group, please join their mailing list on: http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.norwich
You can change how you receive our newsletter, or cancel it, by using the ‘Unsubscribe or edit options’ form at the bottom of this page:http://lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id-supporters
If you have any problems, please send an e-mail to listmaster@no2id.net
Publication details: © NO2ID 2010 – This document may be freely redistributed in one-to-one communications or physical copies as long as it is reproduced in its entirety including this notice. It may not be mass-mailed without the prior permission of NO2ID.NO2ID, Box 412, 19-21 Crawford Street, LONDON W1H 1PJ
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