Posts Tagged ‘surveillance’

Global internet freedom begins at home

June 21st, 2011

Cynthia WongWestern policymakers must proceed with caution when considering online surveillance and web-blocking; their actions impact on human rights abroad, argues Cynthia Wong

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UAE: “Security risk” BlackBerrys face restrictions

July 26th, 2010

BlackBerrys could be banned or monitored in the UAE after officials announced on 26 July, that they do not conform with national laws. The region’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said that “BlackBerry operates beyond the jurisdiction of national legislation” and warned that its misuse could cause “serious social, judicial and national security repercussions.” The Blackberry smart phone, developed by Research in Motion, was released prior to the enactment of safety emergency and national security legislation in 2007. Particular concern relates to the use of internal encrypted networks for email and instant message services, making it difficult for the authorities to track. In 2009, the government was subjected to widespread criticism after encouraging Blackberry customers to download an “upgrade”, which transpired to be surveillance software enabling officials to read and store user’s emails.

Newcastle ruled the worst council for surveillance

May 26th, 2010

Newcastle Upon Tyne local authority has been deemed the worst offender in Britain for covert surveillance operations, according to a study this week. Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, local authorities have carried out over 8,500 covert surveillance and bugging operations over the last two years. With 231 checks in two years, Newcastle local authority has the worst record of spying on residents in the UK. With Ripa authorisation, the council carried out surveillance to check on the activities of Newcastle residents, ranging from fly-tipping to sick pay claims. Over a dozen councils have used Ripa to punish dog-fouling. Of the 8,500 national covert surveillance, a little under 4.5 per cent have resulted in prosecution.

Index on Censorship presents… Erasing David

April 8th, 2010

Erasing David

Friday 16 April 2010, 6.30pm at the Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA.

David Bond lives in the UK, one of the most intrusive surveillance states in the world.  He decides to find out how much private companies and the government know about him by attempting to disappear – a decision that changes his life forever. Leaving his pregnant wife and young child behind he tries to vanish and finds himself tracked across the database state by two ruthless private investigators.  This is a chilling journey that forces him to contemplate the meaning of privacy – and its loss.

This is one of a few exclusive preview screenings before a nationwide cinema release on the 29th April. Jo Glanville, the editor of Index on Censorship, will introduce the film and will lead a Q&A afterwards with the Director and the private investigators who hunted him.

“Delivered with one hand on your pulse and the other hand smacking you in the face, Erasing David is a timely clarion call to those of us interested in guarding our civil liberties in an increasingly invasive digital age. An intelligent and subtle reminder that YOU are in charge.” – Sheffield Doc/Fest UK “A brilliant new documentary.” – Henry Porter, The Guardian

“A rousing and fascinating call to arms to protect our privacy.”- The Independent, UK

Please email: bookingsatfreewordonlinedotcom  (bookingsatfreewordonlinedotcom)   or call 020 7324 2570 to book your FREE place.

The latest Index on Censorship magazine, “Brave New Words”, opens the debate over whether technology is the saviour of free speech. With Rebecca MacKinnon interviewing Google, Wen Yunchao on how China wields control online and Gus Hosein on why governments should respect privacy.

For more information about the nationwide cinema release, please visit: http://erasingdavid.com/

Beyond Surveillance

April 6th, 2010


28 April 2010, 6pm – Free Entry
Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ

A screening of art works developed in response to and in counteraction against surveillance technologies, will be followed by a panel discussing the consequences of surveillance and censorship on daily life – how do we respond to or engage with the consequences of censorship and surveillance?

As surveillance technologies become more ubiquitous – from CCTV to data-mining on websites to mobile phones to Google streetcar – it becomes all the more important to consider the implications and to develop creative, radical responses, counteracting and reversing acts of surveillance.

Artist and curator Manu Luksch has selected several works which explore differing aspects of re-activism to surveillance technologies; selected artists include: David Valentine, Caspar Below, The Bureau of Inverse Technology and MediaShed. Manu Luksch is highly celebrated for her work investigating the use of surveillance technologies in artistic practice: www.ambienttv.net In particular her work Faceless has been internationally recognised and celebrated for its approach in exploring CCTV / surveillance technology in society.
Links:
http://www.surveillance-and-society.org
http://www.videoclub.org.uk
http://www.ambienttv.net

UK: Rebuilding freedoms

October 28th, 2009

matthew_ryder
The road to greater surveillance and restrictions of liberties has been paved with good intentions from both the right and left, says Matthew Ryder. As the public mood changes, it is worth keeping this in mind

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Dealing with the devil

July 17th, 2009

nokia phoneAn Iranian boycott of Nokia will not stop surveillance, say Leslie Harris and John Morris. But it may make telecommunications companies think twice about doing business with oppressive regimes
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OpenNet Initiative

May 20th, 2009

The OpenNet Initiative aims to investigate, expose and analyze Internet filtering and surveillance practices in a credible and non-partisan fashion. It intends to uncover the potential pitfalls and unintended consequences of these practices, and thus help to inform better public policy and advocacy work in this area.