[no2id-supporters] NO2ID Newsletter No.83

Fri Oct 26 13:36:21 BST 2007

    NO2ID Supporters' Newsletter No. 83 - 26th October 2007

* Contacting us:* Call or email the office - 020-7793-4005 or 
(office at no2id.net). Please do not reply to this email. (The from address 
is not a working email address)

      JUST BECAUSE THINGS *SEEM* QUIET...

...doesn't mean they aren't pushing ahead.

For all his talk of 'liberty' and hand-wringing about privacy, Gordon 
Brown appears unswerving in his support of the National ID Scheme and 
vastly-expanded sharing of your personal information across government. 
Ministers may say "we should have a debate" on this and that, but it's 
all a smokescreen - they're carrying on regardless.

The Home Office just shortlisted 8 lead suppliers to go into the next 
stage of ID procurement, predicted to last until June 2008. ID 
interrogations for 16+ year olds begin in earnest this autumn, a year 
later than intended. The price of the passport has just been hiked 
again, ramping up to pay for ID cards and the rest of the scheme.

The battle is far from over, but only with your help and support can we 
keep the pressure on and win.

Over the past three years, NO2ID and its supporters have helped wake the 
"sleepwalking" nation. We've directly and demonstrably influenced the 
national media, public and Parliamentary opinion. Few would now deny 
that we're living in a surveillance state, and it's getting *much* 
worse. PLEASE JOIN THE CAMPAIGN NOW - it's more important than ever.

Your subs and donations keep the national office in operation, and help 
support campaigning the length and breadth of the UK. Every penny you 
give is spent on the fight against ID cards and the database state. 
Don't wait until it's too late.

If you haven't done so already, or if you've been meaning to renew, 
please download a form or set up a standing order - details on our 
website: http://www.no2id.net/getInvolved/join.php

*/+++  STOP PRESS  ++/
'TAKING LIBERTIES' GOES GRASSROOTS
*
NO2ID have been given permission by Revolver (the UK distributors) to 
hold "non-theatrical" screenings of 'Taking Liberties' - i.e. local 
groups and supporters can show the DVD to a public audience, so long as 
they are not charged for entry. The film provides an ideal springboard 
for discussion, debate and reaching new people.

****PLEASE NOTE*** *You will still need to ensure that the screening 
venue has an appropriate Premises License from the Local Authority. For 
venues without a Premises License and for audiences of up to 499 people, 
a Temporary Event Notification (TEN) can be issued for just £21.

As well as copies of Revolver's permission and further details / TEN 
forms, we have a limited number of A1-sized posters that can be used to 
promote screenings - if you would like to organise one, please contact 
national.coordinator at no2id.net

      What's next?

        BIRMINGHAM / WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL MEETING

Phil Booth, National Coordinator, will be coming to Birmingham this 
November for a meeting of all NO2ID groups in the West Midlands, open to 
everyone who wants to do something in the fight against ID cards and the 
database state on their patch. 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, and what you 
can do about it.
/DATE & TIME:/ Saturday 24th November 2007, 10:30am for 11:00am start.
/VENUE/: The Priory Rooms, Friends Meeting House, 40 Bull Street, 
Birmingham B4 6AF
[Heading on after 13:00 to The Old Contemptibles, 175 Edmund Street for 
lunch/beer and further planning.]

        Local groups news

We now have groups in 36 of the 69 locations of ID interrogation centres 
(see www.no2id.net/getInvolved/idCentres.php). If you can help to set up 
a local group in one of the remaining towns then please contact our 
Local Groups liaisons Matty and Deborah at (local.groups at no2id.net). A 
full list of local groups can be found at www.no2id.net/localGroups

        Canterbury & Newport groups get new co-ordinators

We have a new group co-ordinator, Mike Singleton, for the Newport NO2ID. 
He and the Newport group can be contacted at (newport at no2id.net). Our 
Canterbury group also has a new co-ordinator, Carol McIntosh who can be 
contacted at (canterbury at no2id.net).

        Lancaster NO2ID looking for new co-ordinator

Our Lancaster group is looking for a new group co-ordinator. Anyone in 
the area interested in taking on this role should contact 
lancaster at no2id.net and come to their next meeting.

        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 at no2id.net), 
and for more group information see http://www.no2id-scotland.net/edinburgh/

        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 at no2id.net

        Passport interrogations (Glasgow)

Glasgow NO2ID are keen to hear from anyone who has been summoned to 
attend the interrogation centre at Blythswood House after applying for 
their first passport. Please contact Geraint at glasgow at no2id.net or 
Charlie at myspace.com/no2idglasgow

        30th October and 13th, 27th November - Glasgow NO2ID fortnightly
        meeting

Tuesday, 30th October, 13th November and 27th November at 8pm in Mono. 
Glasgow NO2ID's regular fortnightly meetings. All welcome. Map: 
http://www.glasgow-no2id.org.uk/meeting.html

        31st October - Leicester NO2ID monthly meeting

Wednesday, 31st October 7.30pm at The Blues pub, Oadby. All welcome.

        1st November - Glasgow City Council to debate anti ID cards motion

Thursday, 1st November - Glasgow City Council will be debating a motion 
opposing ID cards. The motion is being proposed by the Green group, with 
support promised from Conservative, Liberal Democrat and SNP 
councillors. If you live in Glasgow, please write to your councillors, 
particularly those from the Labour party, asking them to support the 
motion. You can find out who your councillors are, and their contact 
details, on the Glasgow council website: 
http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/YourCouncil/Council_Committees/Councillors/

        1st November - Oxford NO2ID meeting

Thursday, 1st November 8pm at The Mitre on the High Street 
(http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=the+mitre+oxford), Oxford NO2ID will be 
having another informal meeting. We will be discussing our progress 
towards a public meeting.  This had a boost when election fever was 
rampant - we contacted all the local candidates about a possible 
hustings. This means we have plenty of local parliamentary candidates 
(including Peter Tatchell) who would be keen to speak at such an event.  
Further ideas on other speakers or other campaigning opportunites would 
be very welcome. See you there.

        3rd November - NO2ID Cambridge Stall

Saturday, 3rd November at 10am in the usual spot outside Cambridge 
Guildhall. Location Map: http://tinyurl.com/eo42r. We hope to have a 
local MEP with us for a photo opportunity. As ever, volunteers to help 
very welcome - please email cambridge at no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 
07710 469624 if you can make it.

        7th November - Worcester NO2ID inaugural meeting

Wednesday, 7th November 8pm at The Portobello, 139 Bransford Road, 
Worcester (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl&q=). The 
recently resurrected Worcester branch is now up and running, with a 
campaign targeting all ninety plus city and county councillors, as well 
as the local and regional media. All welcome.

        7th November - Cambridge NO2ID pub meeting

Wednesday, 7th November 7.30pm at the Free Press (pub), 7 Prospect Row, 
Cambridge CB1 1DU (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb1+1du). Cambridge 
NO2ID's informal pub meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month. 
For more details contact cambridge at no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 
07710 469624.

        8th November - Taking Liberties Screening,  Manchester

Thursday, 8th November 7.30-9pm at the Friends Meeting House, Mount 
Street, Manchester. Manchester Projectile Films, in association with 
Manchester NO2ID and Manchester Defy-ID, present a screening of 
acclaimed documentary Taking Liberties.  The screening will start at 
7:30pm sharp, and will be followed by a  discussion session in the 
Waterhouse pub on Princess Street.

        10th November - Manchester NO2ID Street Stall

Saturday, 10th November 1-3pm in St. Anne's Square. The main objectives 
of the afternoon will be to raise awareness among the public, engage 
people in discussion about the NIR, and collect petitions for the NO2ID 
petition to keep people in touch with the campaign.  We'll meet in the 
square itself at 1pm to set up shop; feel free to join us to lend a hand 
or just chat. You don't need any experience or equipment, just a bit of 
time to spare and a friendly smile! For more information email 
manchester at no2id.net or call 07982 814441.

        14th November - Manchester NO2ID Meeting

Wednesday, 14th November 7-9pm 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 our monthly meetings we discuss the state of the NO2ID 
campaign, what we've been up to recently and where we're going in 
future. Everyone is welcome, newcomer or not, curious or committed.  The 
Town  Hall Tavern serves reasonably-priced, good quality food until 9pm 
so you don't need to pop home for tea - you can even order your meal 
brought up to the function room. For more information email 
manchester at no2id.net or call 07982 814441.
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      What just happened?

        'They're coming for your kids' follow-up

The good people at Action on Rights for Children (ARCH) have just set up 
'eCAF alert', an independent, confidential route to collect and analyse 
practitioners' views and observations on the new eCAF system currently 
being "rolled out" across children's services and agencies. If you are 
involved in the field and have anything you'd like to share in absolute 
confidence, please visit http://www.ecafalert.org.uk/

        Cambridge hoist Identity Fraud Prevention Week by its own petard

Cambridge NO2ID helped publicise National Identity Fraud Prevention 
Week, with Alex Hayes being interviewed by Jeremy Sallis on Radio 
Cambridgeshire on Friday 12th October. Needless to say, she took the 
opportunity to mention that the government ID card scheme would likely 
make ID fraud worse, not better. If the government really cared about 
identity fraud then it would buy every household in the UK a free 
shredder, rather than pretending that issuing ID cards and putting 
everyone on a national database is somehow going to help.
Listen again at: 
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ajwatson/no2id-audio/07-10-12_Radio_Cambs.mp3

        Manchester NO2ID gets new contact phone number

As part of their ongoing attempts to make the group more contactable, 
Manchester NO2ID now has its own mobile phone number. This number will 
be distributed on all future Manchester NO2ID literature and made public 
on the groups website etc. The number is 07982 814441. Manchester 
NO2ID's focus is turning to the Scottish Entitlement Card - this 
Oyster-style card, rolled out under the guise of free bus travel for 
pensioners, already has over half a million people on a centralised 
entitlement database used for multiple purposes. They are calling on 
Manchester supporters tp please contact your councillors about this 
issue at http://www.writetothem.com/ and make sure that the proposed 
GMPTE travel pass is not used to compel Manchester citizens into the 
Database State.

        Cardiff NO2ID off to a flying start

Our new NO2ID Cardiff group held its first successful meeting on 18th 
October. The group agreed having a regular monthly meeting on the third 
Thursday of every month  at 7.30pm (the next meeting will be on the 15th 
November). The group plan to lobby MPs, councillors and Assembly members 
as well as inform the public about ID cards and the National Identity 
Register. Group co-ordinator Solomon Cardy said: "Informing the public 
is probably the most important thing at the moment as most of the public 
seem to be ill informed about this issue and some think that the whole 
plan has been thrown away as there is little talk of it recently."  The 
group also plan to set up a stall in Queen St, Cardiff every Saturday at 
1.30 (meet at 1.15ish outside Nationwide in Queen St). For more 
information contact (cardiff at no2id.net).

        Co-op fingerprint payment system no so popular after all

Back in 2006 the Midcounties Co-operative Society won the 'Most 
Effective Use of IT in Retail' award as part of the Effective IT 2006 
awards for the introduction of a biometric payment system 'pay by touch' 
(see Newsletter issue 53). The Co-op claimed that a survey they took 
showed that "more than half the customers questioned said they had 
either registered for the system or intended to do so". This was of some 
surprise to our supporters in Oxford who told us that they had never 
seen anyone use the system. An article in last week's Computing magazine 
reports that "the Co-op pilot has had positive results. But rollout has 
stalled". A reader comment on the online version says: "Contrary to the 
statement above, I visited my local Co-op supermarket recently where 
they 'were' using Pay by Touch; the system has now been removed so I 
think there's a bit of 'spin' in the above comments".  Pay by Touch are 
now looking to banks to revive their biometric system.

        California bans forced RFID implants

A law which took effect in California on 15 October prohibits the forced 
implant of RFID chips. In practice, this makes it illegal to require 
somebody to have an RFID implant under the skin as a condition for 
receiving something else - such as a salary or government benefits.  
Reports suggest that about 2000 people have had chips implanted to date.

        ID cards no good for AVS, German court says

German porn sites which require an ID card number before access are not 
complying with laws to protect the under-18s, the country's highest 
civil court has ruled. The judges pointed out that children can easily 
"borrow" IDs from their parents or other adults. So ID numbers are not 
an adequate age verification system (AVS).  

        RFID: do what I say, not what I do

Among the voices telling Germans that the RFID chips in their passports 
are perfectly secure, the soothing tones of the Federal Criminal Office 
(BKA) are sometimes to be heard. So the citizenry was less than charmed 
to learn that the BKA's President has bought a screened cover for his 
own travel document. But German diplomats need not worry. They are to be 
exempted from carrying chipped passports, due to "the particular risk 
situation".     
------------------------------------------------------------------------

      "ID" in the news

        E-borders kills off UK-Ireland passport free travel - The
        Register 25/10/07

The UK's implementation of an electronic borders system by 2009 will 
mean the end of the UK-Republic of Ireland Common Travel Area, which 
allows passport-free travel between the two countries. The move will not 
however lead to the introduction of border controls on the Republic's 
land border with Northern Ireland, but will lead to passport checks, or 
something very like them, for travellers between Northern Ireland and 
the UK mainland.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/25/u_ireland_passport_issues/

        Visitors to Japan to be fingerprinted - The Financial Times 25/10/07

Millions of visitors to Japan will be required to have their photographs 
and fingerprints taken from next month as part of new immigration 
procedures meant to help prevent terrorist attacks. The move, which 
includes fingerprinting longtime permanent foreign residents, marks the 
first time a country other than the US has introduced such procedures.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6b5d18a2-8285-11dc-a5ae-0000779fd2ac.html

        Kiwis felt ID cards wouldn't fly - Computer Weekly 25/10/07

New Zealand has rejected physical identity cards, central databases and 
data matching in creating its national identity scheme, one of the 
scheme's architects told the RSA Europe conference in London on 24 October.
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2007/10/25/227715/rsa-2007-kiwis-felt-id-cards-wouldnt-fly.htm

        Biometrics help security trump privacy - infosecurity magazine
        22/10/07

New biometric technologies and plans for increased surveillance are 
jeopardising society's right to liberty and privacy, argued David 
Murakami Wood, managing editor of S/urveillance & Society/, at the 
Biometrics 2007 conference on Friday 19 October. Wood used UK identity 
cards as his first example: "ID cards should be about securing citizens. 
If they become about securing the state, we need to question security 
and what it's there for," Wood argued.
http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/071022_privacy.html

        Schoolkid chipping trial 'a success' - The Register 22/10/07

A school in Doncaster is piloting a monitoring system designed to keep 
tabs on pupils by tracking radio chips in their uniforms. According to 
the Doncaster Free Press, Hungerhill School is testing RFID tracking and 
data collection on 10 pupils within the school. It's been developed by 
local company Darnbro Ltd, which says it is ready to launch the product 
into the £300m school uniform market.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/22/kid_chipping_doncaster_go/

        Plan to 'hijack' bus passes as ID cards - The Sunday Herald 21/10/07

A cross-border spat erupted last night over new Home Office plans for 
compulsory ID cards in Scotland. The Sunday Herald can reveal that the 
UK government is considering fast-tracking the project by using the 
micro-chipped bus passes held by more than a million Scots. Whitehall 
officials have set up a working group which will look at how to 
piggyback the National Identity Register (NIR) on to the Executive's 
entitlement card scheme.
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1775351.0.plan_to_hijack_bus_passes_as_id_cards.php

        IBM, EDS, BAE Bid to Work on U.K. ID Card Program - Bloomberg
        19/10/07

BAE Systems Plc, Electronic Data Systems Corp. and International 
Business Machines Corp. were among eight companies that won the right to 
bid for work on Britain's 5.3 billion-pound ($10 billion) ID card 
program. Five companies will be chosen in May 2008 to operate Britain's 
first national identification card program since World War II.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aTjroTqDaaMw

        Image database is latest technology added to border control
        platform - Computer Weekly 15/10/07

Immigration minister Liam Byrne last week unveiled a £50,000 image-based 
database system that associates fingerprints, a visa and a unique 
passport number with an individual. The pilot system to confirm the 
identity of visitors to the UK will run at Gatwick North Terminal from 
September 2007 to April 2008, using data from visa applicants from 
Sierra Leone. If successful, the government may extend it to cover up to 
five million visitors a year from non-European countries, excluding the US.
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2007/10/15/227475/image-database-is-latest-technology-added-to-border-control.htm

(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - 
Editor(newsletter at no2id.net) )
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Publication details: © NO2ID 2007 - 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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