The UK Telegraph, under Freedom of Information, exposes more abuse of the British version of lawful access legislation. The records obtained reveal police and others seeking information on footballer Steven Gerrard gained access to his classified files despite safeguards of the law that is pruported to combat serious crime and terrorism. Although law enforcement authorities say most of the breaches are attributed to interest in Gerrard, officers were also accessing files to check classified data about relatives, friends and acquaintances who had "provoked their suspicions."
Read full story at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8600815/130-police-officers-broke-rules-to-view-files-on-Steven-Gerrards-trial.html
Tales, truth in politics, and other noteworthy stuff
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Sunday, 26 June 2011
The UK example: Lawful Access legislation is a dangerous invasion of privacy
Reports from the UK Telegraph say British authorities made more than 500,000 requests for confidential communications data in each of the past few years, "equivalent to spying on one in every 78 adults, leading to claims" that Brits "sleepwalked into a surveillance society."
The requests came under an Act allowing law enforcement to gain access to information on individuals who have phoned, emailed, used websites, etc. The legislation was originally enacted for the purpose of combating terrorism and serious crime.
Defenders of the UK Act, like those who tout the Canadian version, say the Act does not allow access to the content of communications, but only the 'traffic' (who you are speaking to, etc.).
The UK example highlights how easy it is for athorities to abuse this type of legislation – in some cases, access powers were used by British authorities to do more than snoop and demonstrates it is indeed a slippery slope. Care is, therefore, required to ensure the proper safeguards are in place before any expansion of police powers is allowed.
See the UK Information Commissioner's full report as well as a breakdown of some of the numbers.
The requests came under an Act allowing law enforcement to gain access to information on individuals who have phoned, emailed, used websites, etc. The legislation was originally enacted for the purpose of combating terrorism and serious crime.
Defenders of the UK Act, like those who tout the Canadian version, say the Act does not allow access to the content of communications, but only the 'traffic' (who you are speaking to, etc.).
The UK example highlights how easy it is for athorities to abuse this type of legislation – in some cases, access powers were used by British authorities to do more than snoop and demonstrates it is indeed a slippery slope. Care is, therefore, required to ensure the proper safeguards are in place before any expansion of police powers is allowed.
See the UK Information Commissioner's full report as well as a breakdown of some of the numbers.
More mainstream and buried coverage of lawful access legislation:
Globe and Mail Story: the comments on this story are also worth the read:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/tabatha-southey/ottawa-to-contract-out-spying-but-who-cares-its-only-the-internet/article2075104/
Everyone, please sign the petition located at http://openmedia.ca/StopSpying and please ensure you share it with everyone you know, be FB, Hotmail or on Twitter. We have to step up to the plate, raising the signatures on the petition so Harper and Co. know we are serious.
If you want to write to your MP, you can locate them @ http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC
More information about the Lawful Access is on Maiden Heaven's discussion page called, "Canadian Police State Legislation Needs Closer Examination". You can use a letter she has drawn up. Edit, copy and paste as you will (and if you do edit, please paste the edited letter to the discussion so that others may use it too) It’s located at https://www.facebook.com/openmedia.ca
It is CRITICAL that as many people as possible know about online spying as soon as possible. If people don't understand or seem apathetic, ask them to imagine coming home to find a cop rifling through your home without a warrant, then handing you a bill for their services on their way out the door.
Why Privacy Matters Even if You Have 'Nothing to Hide' – It’s long, but worth the read: http://chronicle.com/article/Why-Privacy-Matters-Even-if/127461/
The government is trying to ram through internet surveillance laws that will invade your privacy and cost you money. The plan is to force every phone and Internet provider to surrender our personal information to "authorities" without a warrant.The Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Jennifer Stoddart, along with every provincial and territory Privacy Commissioner, has written of their concerns for the loss of Our privacy under the Lawful access bill. http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2011/let_110309_e.cfm
This bizarre legislation will create Internet surveillance that is:
* Warrantless: A range of "authorities" will have the ability to invade the private lives of law-abiding Canadians and our families using wired Internet and mobile devices, without a warrant or any justification.
* Invasive and Dangerous: The laws leave our personal and financial information less secure and more susceptible to cybercrime.
* Costly: Internet services providers may be forced to install millions of dollars worth of spying technology and the cost will be passed down to YOU.
Meanwhile in other news, we Canucks get to subsidize big oil again
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Feds+Alberta+commit+million+Shell+Scotford+carbon+capture+project/5003331/story.html
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/tabatha-southey/ottawa-to-contract-out-spying-but-who-cares-its-only-the-internet/article2075104/
Everyone, please sign the petition located at http://openmedia.ca/StopSpying and please ensure you share it with everyone you know, be FB, Hotmail or on Twitter. We have to step up to the plate, raising the signatures on the petition so Harper and Co. know we are serious.
If you want to write to your MP, you can locate them @ http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC
More information about the Lawful Access is on Maiden Heaven's discussion page called, "Canadian Police State Legislation Needs Closer Examination". You can use a letter she has drawn up. Edit, copy and paste as you will (and if you do edit, please paste the edited letter to the discussion so that others may use it too) It’s located at https://www.facebook.com/openmedia.ca
It is CRITICAL that as many people as possible know about online spying as soon as possible. If people don't understand or seem apathetic, ask them to imagine coming home to find a cop rifling through your home without a warrant, then handing you a bill for their services on their way out the door.
Why Privacy Matters Even if You Have 'Nothing to Hide' – It’s long, but worth the read: http://chronicle.com/article/Why-Privacy-Matters-Even-if/127461/
The government is trying to ram through internet surveillance laws that will invade your privacy and cost you money. The plan is to force every phone and Internet provider to surrender our personal information to "authorities" without a warrant.The Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Jennifer Stoddart, along with every provincial and territory Privacy Commissioner, has written of their concerns for the loss of Our privacy under the Lawful access bill. http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2011/let_110309_e.cfm
This bizarre legislation will create Internet surveillance that is:
* Warrantless: A range of "authorities" will have the ability to invade the private lives of law-abiding Canadians and our families using wired Internet and mobile devices, without a warrant or any justification.
* Invasive and Dangerous: The laws leave our personal and financial information less secure and more susceptible to cybercrime.
* Costly: Internet services providers may be forced to install millions of dollars worth of spying technology and the cost will be passed down to YOU.
Meanwhile in other news, we Canucks get to subsidize big oil again
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Feds+Alberta+commit+million+Shell+Scotford+carbon+capture+project/5003331/story.html
Friday, 24 June 2011
Harper government denies the reality of Lawful Access legislation
"The question is not whether abuse would occur, but how widespread such abuse would be," say Angus and Sandhu in their letter to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, written in response to proposed online spying legislation (Lawful Access):
Lawful Access: NDP MP Charlie Angus' Letter to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews
Lawful Access: NDP MP Charlie Angus' Letter to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Stop Online Spying!
OpenMedia for Immediate Release
These bills will hurt your wallet and your privacy
The government is trying to push through an anti-Internet set of electronic surveillance laws that will invade your privacy and cost you money. They’re calling it "Lawful" Access -- we're calling it warrantless, invasive, costly, and poorly thought out.
The plan is to force every phone and Internet provider to surrender our personal information to "authorities" without a warrant.
This bizarre legislation will create Internet surveillance that is:
If enough of us speak out now the government will have no choice but to stop this mandatory online spying scheme.
For the Internet,
Steve, Reilly, Lindsey, Glyn, and Shea -- The OpenMedia.ca Team
PS: OpenMedia.ca depends on the support of Canadians like you to continue our fight for a more open and affordable Internet. Please consider a gift to OpenMedia.ca to help us in our work. Visit http://openmedia.ca/give to chip in.
SOURCES:
The Globe And Mail: Bill C-51 will turn ISPs into Internet gatekeepers
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/digital-culture/dwayne-winseck/bill-c-51-will-turn-isps-into-internet-gatekeepers/article2059908/
TVO’s Search Engine: It's Time to Worry About Lawful Access
http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/searchengine/index.cfm?page_id=613&action=blog&subaction=viewpost&blog_id=485&post_id=15829
Michael Geist: Web Surveillance Legislation Requires Study, Not Speed
http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5808/135/
Canadian Privacy Law Blog: Canadian police state legislation needs closer examination
http://blog.privacylawyer.ca/2011/04/canadian-police-state-legislation-needs.html
Letter to Public Safety Canada from Canada's Privacy Commissioners and Ombudspersons on the current 'Lawful Access' proposals
http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2011/let_110309_e.cfm
From Maiden Heaven and others on the OpenMedia.ca Facebook Discussion Boards: Canadian police state legislation needs closer examination
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=173437729758&topic=16926
1424 Commercial Dr.
PO Box #21674
Vancouver, BC, V5L 5G3
These bills will hurt your wallet and your privacy
The government is trying to push through an anti-Internet set of electronic surveillance laws that will invade your privacy and cost you money. They’re calling it "Lawful" Access -- we're calling it warrantless, invasive, costly, and poorly thought out.
The plan is to force every phone and Internet provider to surrender our personal information to "authorities" without a warrant.
This bizarre legislation will create Internet surveillance that is:
- Warrantless: If these bills pass, we're looking at a future where a range of “authorities” will have the ability to invade the private lives of law-abiding Canadians and our families using wired Internet and mobile devices, without any justification.
- Invasive: This is a radical break from existing safeguards and leaves our personal and financial information less secure and more susceptible to cybercrime. Who will ensure that our personal information is not misused or stolen?
- Costly: Internet services providers will be forced to install millions of dollars of spying technology and the cost will be passed down to YOU.
If enough of us speak out now the government will have no choice but to stop this mandatory online spying scheme.
For the Internet,
Steve, Reilly, Lindsey, Glyn, and Shea -- The OpenMedia.ca Team
PS: OpenMedia.ca depends on the support of Canadians like you to continue our fight for a more open and affordable Internet. Please consider a gift to OpenMedia.ca to help us in our work. Visit http://openmedia.ca/give to chip in.
SOURCES:
The Globe And Mail: Bill C-51 will turn ISPs into Internet gatekeepers
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/digital-culture/dwayne-winseck/bill-c-51-will-turn-isps-into-internet-gatekeepers/article2059908/
TVO’s Search Engine: It's Time to Worry About Lawful Access
http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/searchengine/index.cfm?page_id=613&action=blog&subaction=viewpost&blog_id=485&post_id=15829
Michael Geist: Web Surveillance Legislation Requires Study, Not Speed
http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5808/135/
Canadian Privacy Law Blog: Canadian police state legislation needs closer examination
http://blog.privacylawyer.ca/2011/04/canadian-police-state-legislation-needs.html
Letter to Public Safety Canada from Canada's Privacy Commissioners and Ombudspersons on the current 'Lawful Access' proposals
http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2011/let_110309_e.cfm
From Maiden Heaven and others on the OpenMedia.ca Facebook Discussion Boards: Canadian police state legislation needs closer examination
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=173437729758&topic=16926
1424 Commercial Dr.
PO Box #21674
Vancouver, BC, V5L 5G3
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Hamilton's City Hall media policy and review has community journalists’ ire up
By Bobbie Saga
Hamilton community journalists, bloggers and engaged citizens issued a joint statement today calling on the City of Hamilton to adopt a policy of openness and transparency following disparaging comments against some media by a top City official.
The group issued the joint statement on local media access at City Hall to the Mayor and Council, specifically requesting the Office of the Mayor and other city officials recognize the rights of all citizens to have access to information and to speak with local officials.
The joint statement is a response to recent public statements by Mayor Bob Bratina's Chief of Staff, Peggy Chapman whom the group says requested a review of the City's media policy.
"We are asking that Council and Staff develop a formal policy on media relations which is fair, clear, and does not allow political staff to unduly influence the free flow of information at City Hall," the letter states.
Group representative Ryan McGreal, editor of online publication Raise the Hammer (RTH), says Chapman made recent comments to media she will "recognize you and give you as much access to the mayor, as need be, or information that I have, and especially at council, if you have a boss.
"If you're a journalist that has a boss that I can complain to, if I think that information [information someone publishes] is incorrect," Chapman said on record.
The Hamilton Office of the Mayor was provided with copies of the joint statement. It is signed by Joey Coleman, freelance journalist/blogger with The Globe and Mail; Teresa DiFalco publisher; Adrian Duyzer, associate editor with RTH; Ryan McGreal, editor at RTH; Martinus Geleynse, Urbanicity editor and publisher; Matt Jelly, blogger; Dave Kuruc, publisher of H Magazine; James Tennant, program director at CFMU 93.3; and Matt Thompson, community organizer.
The group wants the City of Hamilton to, "adopt a policy of openness and transparency that recognizes the right of ordinary Hamiltonians to access information and speak to local officials, in the spirit of democracy and civic engagement that is one of the hallmarks of this city."
But so far, the group has not had a reasonable response from city officials, and no response from elected officials.
"We will provide parties an opportunity to comment at an appropriate time before being brought to Council for consideration," Chris Murray, City Manager, responded in an email to McGreal.
The current media policy specifically says the "Mayor or the Deputy-Mayor’s in the Mayor’s absence – shall be the chief spokesperson at all times for the City of Hamilton; representing both City Council and City staff…" Also, Chapman is listed as the media relations contact person for the Office of the Mayor on the City's website. She has not responded to multiple requests for comment from the group.
The City’s current media policy states the purpose of the policy and accompanying procedures is to ensure the City of Hamilton provides openness and accountability. It contains three key provisions for media.
They are 1) provides timely and accurate responses to media inquiries; 2) makes available the most appropriate spokesperson based on accountability and responsibility; 3) conducts media relations in a manner that is objective, understandable, open and transparent within the law.
More information:
The City of Hamilton current media relations policy [PDF link]
Source: accessed May 31, 2011
http://www.raisethehammer.org/blog/2158/community_journalists_speak_out_on_city_hall_media_policy_review
© Saga Times 2011
Hamilton community journalists, bloggers and engaged citizens issued a joint statement today calling on the City of Hamilton to adopt a policy of openness and transparency following disparaging comments against some media by a top City official.
The group issued the joint statement on local media access at City Hall to the Mayor and Council, specifically requesting the Office of the Mayor and other city officials recognize the rights of all citizens to have access to information and to speak with local officials.
The joint statement is a response to recent public statements by Mayor Bob Bratina's Chief of Staff, Peggy Chapman whom the group says requested a review of the City's media policy.
"We are asking that Council and Staff develop a formal policy on media relations which is fair, clear, and does not allow political staff to unduly influence the free flow of information at City Hall," the letter states.
Group representative Ryan McGreal, editor of online publication Raise the Hammer (RTH), says Chapman made recent comments to media she will "recognize you and give you as much access to the mayor, as need be, or information that I have, and especially at council, if you have a boss.
"If you're a journalist that has a boss that I can complain to, if I think that information [information someone publishes] is incorrect," Chapman said on record.
The Hamilton Office of the Mayor was provided with copies of the joint statement. It is signed by Joey Coleman, freelance journalist/blogger with The Globe and Mail; Teresa DiFalco publisher; Adrian Duyzer, associate editor with RTH; Ryan McGreal, editor at RTH; Martinus Geleynse, Urbanicity editor and publisher; Matt Jelly, blogger; Dave Kuruc, publisher of H Magazine; James Tennant, program director at CFMU 93.3; and Matt Thompson, community organizer.
The group wants the City of Hamilton to, "adopt a policy of openness and transparency that recognizes the right of ordinary Hamiltonians to access information and speak to local officials, in the spirit of democracy and civic engagement that is one of the hallmarks of this city."
But so far, the group has not had a reasonable response from city officials, and no response from elected officials.
"We will provide parties an opportunity to comment at an appropriate time before being brought to Council for consideration," Chris Murray, City Manager, responded in an email to McGreal.
The current media policy specifically says the "Mayor or the Deputy-Mayor’s in the Mayor’s absence – shall be the chief spokesperson at all times for the City of Hamilton; representing both City Council and City staff…" Also, Chapman is listed as the media relations contact person for the Office of the Mayor on the City's website. She has not responded to multiple requests for comment from the group.
The City’s current media policy states the purpose of the policy and accompanying procedures is to ensure the City of Hamilton provides openness and accountability. It contains three key provisions for media.
They are 1) provides timely and accurate responses to media inquiries; 2) makes available the most appropriate spokesperson based on accountability and responsibility; 3) conducts media relations in a manner that is objective, understandable, open and transparent within the law.
More information:
The City of Hamilton current media relations policy [PDF link]
Source: accessed May 31, 2011
http://www.raisethehammer.org/blog/2158/community_journalists_speak_out_on_city_hall_media_policy_review
© Saga Times 2011
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Bob Rae confirmed right man for the top job
By Bobbie Saga
It’s official. Bob Rae was confirmed the right man for the job of interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Rae was chosen interim leader by the national board of the Liberal party following a vote amongst 34 elected Mps and 45 sitting senators. The board met in Ottawa Wednesday where, after a two-hour caucus meeting, it picked Toronto PM Rae to lead the party for the next 18 to 22 months.
With his decision to take on interim leadership, Rae has taken himself out of the running for the permanent Liberal leadership position. Earlier this month a plan was drafted by the board stipulating an interim leader must solemnly renounce, in writing, any intention of seeking the permanent leadership, plus make a vow not to pursue any discussions about a possible merger of the Liberals with the NDP.
Rae, with his wife at his side, smiled and accepted the new, temporary job. He told reporters he is honoured to have the position, but knows the job will not be easy after the federal election that saw the party reduced to third party status.
"I’m very happy to have this responsibility," Rae said during the announcement.
He added his focus will be rebuilding the Liberal brand, saying his first priority will be to re-engage with the grass roots of the party, then focus on policies such as health care and national unity.
"We simply have to - if I can coin a phrase - pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again… to really engage with members in riding associations and local communities about what the challenges are that are facing them, " Rae said.
The Liberal leadership announcement was followed closely with today's announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that his government intends to eliminate Canada's per vote subsidy. Phase-out plans and details are to be announced June 6.
Brought in by former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in an effort to make a more democratic system, critics charge the elimination of the per vote subsidy is going beneifit Conservatives through big business and power broker, tax deductable donations, while at the same time, have a defistating impact on smaller, less funded or connected parties, and at a greater cost to taxpayers.
© Saga Times 2011
Read More:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/996650--rae-takes-over-the-liberal-reins
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/05/25/john-ivison-rae-takes-command-of-a-party-searching-for-a-soul/
http://www2.macleans.ca/tag/per-vote-subsidy/
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