Dynamics of digital freedom

June 28th, 2012

Last week we hosted a conference with the Global Network Initiative (GNI), where we had a heated debate around surveillance, security, and freedom of expression. Check out the conversation here.

(more…)

The return of a bad idea

June 15th, 2012

Cindy Cohn is alarmed by the shift towards mass surveillance in the UK government’s “snooper’s charter”
(more…)

India: BlackBerry snooping system underway

April 11th, 2012

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) has given Indian security forces access to private instant messages. The move follows the setting up of a BlackBerry service centre in Mumbai last February, with official sources reporting that the interception of BlackBerry’s messenger service (BBM) messages will be used in cases where criminal activity is suspected. Law enforcement agents must first seek gain permission from the Home Ministry, before sending a request to the suspect’s operator or RIM for the data it needs. RIM has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

Global coalition of NGOs call for official withdrawal of Pakistan censorship plans

April 10th, 2012

Index on Censorship joins a global coalition of NGO’s to call for the withdrawal of censorship plans in Pakistan

(more…)

Global internet freedom begins at home

June 21st, 2011

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

(more…)

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.

PAST EVENT: Index on Censorship presents… Erasing David

April 8th, 2010

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: bookings@freewordonline.com 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/