Welcome to the latest Open Rights Group supporter update. In this edition:
- Statebook: a place to access your citizens information - - Phorm is in deep trouble - - Parliament buckles: copyright extension goes through - - Reclaim your DNA from Britain's National DNA database - - Press - - Thanks -
News
This month we launched a campaign site portraying the seemingly unregulated amassing of personal data by the state. Called Statebook, it is a spoof government site, listing all the information government holds an an individual citizen, based on the Database State report. The site also shows what new information the Government want to collect, through new schemes, like the Intercept Modernisation Programme. It also gives you an easy way to email your MP with a customisable letter about the government’s plans. Tell your friends about http://statebook.co.uk/ on Twitter, Facebook, or just by email. And this action page details what you can do to push back against snooping.
On top of major websites, including Amazona and Wikipedia, deciding to protect their customers and brands by blocking the Webwise system, Phorm is gripped by a new controversy. It seems the the Home Office worked with Phorm to offer advice that would give "comfort" to their investors. In reply, the firm has launched a bizarre smear website against campaigners including ORG, which may be the idea of their new PR agent Patrick Robertson, whose previous clients include Jonathan Aitken and General Pinochet. Phorm are clearly on the ropes and getting desperate so please help the final push by asking your favourite websites to block Phorm.
Despite widespread dissent and controversy MEPs have voted for copyright term extension. The proposal now moves to the Council of Ministers, where it is currently blocked by various member states. Thanks to the many of you have written to your MEPs. We'll update again with further actions in support of sound copyright but remind you for now that the European elections in June will be an opportunity to express discontent.
Have you or your child been arrested and had your DNA and fingerprints taken by the police? If so, you will probably have a computer record on Britain’s National DNA Database. If you are concerned about how the Government might misuse this information, or fail to keep it safe, use the new Reclaim Your DNA website to help get your computer records deleted and your DNA destroyed.
Press relations Every week, we spend time talking to the media and connecting them with experts or giving an alternate point of view on current issues. We were featured on Newsnight, BBC World Service, BBC News Channel and Sky (no longer available online) in the Pirate Bay Debate.
Thanks to all the lovely people that make ORG work, but particularly this month Adam and Lemon, our tireless sys-admins.
