[no2id-supporters] NO2ID Newsletter No.90

Thu Jan 31 16:36:44 GMT 2008

    NO2ID Supporters' Newsletter No. 90 - 31st January 2008

*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)

      MAKING PROGRESS

The Identity & Passport Service is having a bad month.

While their political masters cling desperately to the "magic bullet" of 
biometrics, claiming everything's proceeding to plan, the officials who 
actually drive the ID scheme have just had their entire strategy leaked. 
And two of the eight 'lead suppliers' shortlisted to build the scheme 
just dropped out.

The scheme's not dead, but the panic's beginning to show.

We annotated a copy of the strategy document and made sure you (and the 
whole world) could read it, amongst other places at:

http://wikileaks.org/wiki/National_Identity_Scheme_Options_Analysis_Outcome

A lot of the work that NO2ID does, you don't see. It's only at times 
like these that you may get a sense of how much briefing and lobbying, 
research, analysis and intelligence gathering we do. Week in, week out - 
we can't afford to slack off. Whether the papers are writing about NO2ID 
and ID cards or not, we have to be ready to make use of every 
opportunity. And working to create opportunities of our own.

We hope that you will already have seen some of the other things we do - 
the leaflets, pamphlets, badges, banners and other materials that we 
produce and distribute; information on the website and forums; coverage 
generated by interviews and press releases. Supporting our network of ID 
heroes and heroines, running local groups the length and breadth of the UK.

You can help. Please join the campaign by setting up a regular payment here:

http://www.no2id.net/getInvolved/join.php

You can use PayPal (which now takes credit cards), set up a standing 
order or use our bank details to sort out an arrangement with your own 
bank. Every penny you give will be spent fighting ID cards and the 
database state.

We're making progress. With your help, we WILL win
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      What's next?

        Local groups news

We have local groups all over the country and 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 us at 
(office at no2id.net). A full list of local groups can be found at 
www.no2id.net/localGroups

*Kula Shaker promotes NO2ID on tour*
UK rock band Kula Shaker have been promoting NO2ID on their current tour 
(see http://www.kulashaker.co.uk) and we have stalls manned by 
volunteers at most of the following gigs: 04/02/08 - Exeter, Lemon 
Grove, 05/02/08 - Bristol, Anson Rooms, 06/02/08 - Waterfront, Norwich, 
08/02/08 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 09/02/08 - Carling Academy 2, 
Birmingham. If you would like to help out on one of the stalls, then 
contact Matty Mitford, local.groups at no2id.net or the relevant NO2ID 
local group.

*Data sharing consultation - (closes 15th February)*
A consultation on data sharing has been launched by the Ministry of 
Justice. The consultation document is at 
(www.justice.gov.uk/publications/data-sharing-review-consultation.htm). 
Please also send NO2ID details (with evidence) of occasions where public 
authorities or others are demanding more information than necessary for 
the purpose. Our address is NO2ID, Box 412, 19-21 Crawford Street, 
London W1H 1PJ or send by e-mail to (office at no2id.net). There is a 
discussion of how to go about submitting evidence for the consultation 
at http://forum.no2id.net/viewtopic.php?t=20073_
_

        _Brighton & Hove_

*1st February Brighton & Hove NO2ID Benefit gig*
Friday, 1st February 8pm-12am at The East Slope Bar, Refectory Road, 
Sussex University. Live music to dance to from Rum Boogie, and 
24Sweed'n, the acoustic ukulele genius.

        _Cambridge_

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

*16th February - NO2ID Cambridge Stall*
Saturday, 16th February at 1a0am in the usual spot outside Cambridge 
Guildhall at 10am on Saturday 16th February. Location Map: 
http://tinyurl.com/eo42r. 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.

        _Canterbury_

*6th February - Canterbury NO2ID Meeting (1st Wednesday of each month)*
Wednesday, 6th February 7.30pm at Coffee and Corks, Palace Street, 
Canterbury. Email canterbury at no2id.net for more info.

        _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 at 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 at no2id.net

        _Kensington & Chelsea_

*1st February - Kensington & Chelsea NO2ID stall, Portobello Green*
Friday, 1st February, Kensington & Chelsea NO2ID will hold a stall at 
Portobello Green.  Please contact Jill at kensington at no2id if you are 
willing and able to help.

*7th February - Meeting 'Liberty vs ID cards'*
Thursday, 7th February 7.30pm at the church on the corner of Westbourne 
Grove and Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, we are having a talk by the famous 
libertarian , Dr Sean Gabb and NO2ID's own Guy Herbert on 'Liberty v ID 
cards' and the NO2ID Pledge. If you want more details or wish to help 
contact Jill as above.

*8th February - Kular Shaker stall*
Friday, 8th February we plan to assist at the no2id stall during Kular 
Shaker's event at Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Our NO2ID mugs will be available at each venue £4 each or £3 each for 4 
or more and if you come in person there is no need to pay postal charges!

        _Leicester_

*31st January - Pledge signing event*
Thursday, 31st January from 7pm at the Blues pub in Oadby. Instead of 
the usual Wednesday meeting we will be signing the NO2ID pledge to 
refuse to register for the national ID card. Everybody welcome as we'll 
be including this event in a press release and we would like a good turnout!

        _Manchester_

*9th February - Manchester NO2ID street stall*
Saturday, 9th February, from 1pm-3pm in St.Ann's Square, Manchester.

*13th February - Manchester NO2ID meeting*
Wednesday, 13th February from 7pm-9pm at the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, 
Manchester.

        _Newcastle/Gateshead_

*20th February - Taking Liberties showing*
Wednesday, 20th February 7.30pm at the Star and Shadow Cinema. The 
acclaimed film Taking Liberties, featuring NO2ID, will be shown.

        _Oxford_

On Sunday NO2ID Oxford staged a 'Barbeque for the Grilling Centre' to 
highlight the opening of the UK Identity and Passport Service (UKIPS) 
interrogation centre in Oxford. The group are concerned that very few 
Oxfordshire residents are aware of the centre's existence or its 
purpose. Chairman of the group Chris Rimmer said: "The Identity and 
Passport Service wants to quietly start grilling everyone in the 
country. They want all of your personal details and your fingerprints. 
Could they treat us more like criminals if they  tried?".
For more information see NO2ID Oxford's website at 
http://no2id-oxford.org.uk

        _Shrewsbury_

*18th February - Shrewsbury NO2ID meeting*
Monday, 18th February 8pm in the Armoury, Victoria Quay, Victoria Avenue 
Welsh Bridge
Shrewsbury (http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/pub6_7.html). Look for a 
table with black-and-red NO2ID flyers scattered around; we'll try to get 
a table at the fireplace/toilet end of the pub (but look at other tables 
too if we didn't get seats there).

        _Southampton_

*6th February - Southampton NO2ID Meeting (1st Wednesday of each month)*
Wednesday, 6th February 8.00pm at the Dolphin pub in St Denys, 
Southampton. We hold irregular stalls in Southampton and environs. 
Please contact Southampton.no2id at gmail.com if you would like to take 
part, or come to the next meeting.

        _Southwark_

*8th February - Southwark NO2ID at the SEOne Club*
Friday 8th February 9pm at the SEOne Club in Weston Street, underneath 
London Bridge.  The venue opens at 9pm and continues until 8am on 
Saturday morning. We will be highlighting the NO2ID Pledge as well as 
the petition.

        _Worcester_

*6th February -  Worcester NO2ID pub meeting (No meeting in January)*
Wednesday, 6th February 2000 at The Portobello, Bransford Road, St 
John's, Worcester 
(http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=383268&Y=253763&A=Y&Z=1). 
Our regular, meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month. This 
month: Roles, Recruitment and the Rest of Worcestershire. Contact 
Worcester at no2id.net or 01905 735986

        _Worthing_

*31st January - Screening of Taking Liberties*
Thursday, January 31st 8pm upstairs at The Rest Bar, Bath Place (off 
Montague Street), Worthing BN13 1AB.
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      What just happened?

        Leaked ID scheme document reveals coercion plan

This week NO2ID enlisted the help of bloggers across the world to spread 
a leaked government document describing how the government intends to go 
about "coercing" citizens onto the National Identity Register. The 
document relates to the previously leaked 'NIS Delivery Strategy - 
Aligning strategy and delivery' PowerPoint presentation. The 'ID card' 
is revealed as little more than a cover to create an official dossier 
and trackable ID for every UK resident - creating the database state. 
The document contradicts previous government assertions that no British 
citizen will be forced to have an ID card when it says: "Various forms 
of coercion, such as designation of the application process for identity 
documents issued by UK Ministers (e.g. passports), are an option to 
stimulate applications in a manageable way".
The document, annotated by NO2ID, can be downloaded from 
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/National_Identity_Scheme_Options_Analysis_Outcome

        ID to be required for travel from Shetland to Aberdeen

NorthLink Ferries are to introduce a photo ID requirement for passengers 
travelling between Shetland and Aberdeen from 1st May. The ferry company 
claims that the move to introduce the checks is in the interests of 
anti-terrorist security. Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said: "I do not find 
the argument that the boat is a terrorist target a credible one". Under 
the move passengers without photo ID, including small children will not 
be allowed to travel. NorthLink's ferry service is touted as a 
"lifeline" service for the residents of Shetland and receives funding 
from the Scottish Executive, it remains to be seen whether NorthLink's 
plans to exclude non-ID carrying passengers breaches their contract.

        More government IT and database failures

This week it was announced that the National Offender Management Service 
(Noms) is to be scrapped and with it 'C-Nomis' a £250m project to 
install a computer database that would track offenders through the 
prison and probation systems. The database has been scrapped after a 
series of technical failures. Meanwhile the HM Courts Service case 
management IT system 'Libra' is apparently back on track - 16 years late 
and costing nearly three times more than expected. The 'Libra' will 
apparently speed up the time taken to deal with offenders by supporting 
standard ways of working in courts.

        EU Digital Identity Sector report

A report, 'Overcoming Barriers in the EU Digital Identity Sector', has 
been released by the institute for prospective technological studies 
(ipts). Amongst other things the report mentions profiling and data 
sharing and points out that : "Data protection is taken very seriously 
in Germany but less so in other areas of Europe and still less in the 
US, where data mining is increasingly widespread". The report also 
states that: "Some interesting work is being done [...] by the EU-funded 
GUIDE project, researching the potential for data sharing across 
European borders. This will eventually culminate in a 'real-world "proof 
of concept"'. Ultimately the report admits that "the experts were not 
able to reach consensus on a list of the most important and/or 
challenging barriers with a view to prioritising them" and suggests that 
"in order to draw clear policy conclusions, it soon became obvious that 
policy making in this field is in need of a more compelling taxonomy or 
classification that would allow for a more thorough cross-disciplinary 
analysis".
The report can be downloaded at 
http://www.jrc.es/publications/pub.cfm?id=1533
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      "ID" in the news

*Big Brother is not in the public interest - The Telegraph 30/1/08*
The news that more than 1,000 requests a day are made to "intercept" our 
phone calls, post and email should come as no surprise to anyone 
observing Britain's rapid descent into mass surveillance. What may be 
more of an eye-opener is the extent to which the Government has 
systematically embedded secrecy, incompetence and spin into the process
http://tinyurl.com/35ck3w

*IPS sticks to fingerprint plan - Kable 28/1/08*
The Identity and Passport Service has denied that fingerprints could be 
dropped from the National Identity Register. It has dismissed a report 
in The Observer, based on a leaked document, that claimed plans to asses 
the costs for different groups of people point to the plan for a 
fingerprint register being dropped.
http://www.kablenet.com/kd.nsf/Frontpage/080CC74078DDF50C802573DE004C4B5D?OpenDocument

*The great ID card rebellion - The Guardian 24/1/08*
In the beginning, it was a grand vision. Compulsory identity cards would 
be in the forefront of the fight against terrorism, organised crime, 
illegal immigration and benefit fraud. Now, three home secretaries 
later, the scheme's defenders talk meekly of a voluntary scheme which 
will make people's lives that little bit easier. So what's changed?
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,,2245836,00.html

*Accenture and BAE pull out of ID card project - The Register 24/1/08*
Accenture and BAE Systems have both decided not to chase contracts for 
the controversial scheme. A short list of possible suppliers is due to 
be published in the next few months but several firms have expressed 
discontent with continued government indecision.
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2008/01/24/accenture_bae_ditch_id_cards/

*Fujitsu may quit NHS National Programme for IT - ComputerWeekly 22/1/08*
The board of an NHS trust has learned of a "significant" risk of 
Fujitsu ending its £900m contract to supply and implement hospital 
systems across southern England as part of the National Programme for IT 
(NPfIT).
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2008/01/22/229021/fujitsu-may-quit-nhs-national-programme-for-it.htm

*US: Students get IDs as part of new program - KHQA Online 21/1/08*
Troopers are photographing and fingerprinting school children as part of 
a new Highway Patrol safety program. The patrol then creates IDS. 
Besides the photos and digitally scanned fingerprints, the IDs also 
include the children's height and weight, address, phone number, 
parents' names and birth date. Parents keep the IDS just in case 
anything happens.
http://www.khqa.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=86806

*Labour's bureaucratic, un-necessary ID cards - rnif.com 20/1/08*
Speech to the National Assembly for Wales.
"I welcome this debate this afternoon. It is the first opportunity that 
we have had in the new year not just to discuss the potential impact of 
any ID scheme on public services and members of the public more widely 
in Wales, but to examine the impact of the loss of information and data 
that we experienced at the end of the last calendar year.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/surveillance-big-brother/labours-bureaucratic-un-necessary-id-cards/2246/

*US : Surveillance and Society - ThreatsWatch 19/1/08*
The subject of surveillance in a free society is controversial. New 
Scientist's Phil McKenna writes in his article, US and UK rival China 
for government surveillance that part of the problem may be technology 
advancing faster than government safeguards.
http://threatswatch.org/rapidrecon/2008/01/surveillance-and-society/

*'Surveillance Britain' - Schnews 11/1/08*
Want to move your curtain twitching habits into the digital age? Think 
Eastenders is losing it's appeal for it's lack of reality? Well Derby 
Police are asking for nosey parkers willing to keep their beady eyes 
firmly on the real goings on down Derby way. Yes, Police have now got so 
many cameras keeping Britain under surveillance at all times that they 
can no longer keep up with actually watching them all so are having to 
beg the public to step in and do the job (unpaid, of course) instead. 
Unsure potential citizen snoopers needn't worry either -- you'll get 
twenty hours training on how to watch a computer monitor.
http://www.schnews.co.uk/archive/news615.htm

(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - 
Editor(newsletter at no2id.net) )
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Publication details: © NO2ID 2008 - 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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