“A broad movement of campaigners and organizations is calling on everybody to join action against excessive surveillance by governments and businesses. On 11 October 2008, concerned people in many countries will take to the streets, the motto being ‘Freedom not fear 2008’. Peaceful and creative action, from protest marches to parties, will take place in many capital cities.”
The Arbeitskreis Vorratsdatenspeicherung (German Working Group on Data Retention), which describe themselves as “an association of civil rights campaigners, data protection activists and Internet users,” are working to highlight what they describe as the spread of a “surveillance mania” which is “transforming our society into one of uncritical consumers who have ‘nothing to hide’ and – in a vain attempt to achieve total security – are prepared to give up their freedoms.”
While this particular movement may have started in Europe, here in the U.S. we have seen surveillance efforts increase dramatically, particularly since 9/11. The collection and retention of data on the movements, associations, business activities, phone calls, email exchanges, and other details regarding the activities of citizens – often obtained through blanket surveillance – is something about which we need to be more aware.
“The increasing electronic registration and surveillance of the entire population does not make us any safer from crime, costs millions of Euros and puts the privacy of innocent citizens at risk.”
Click here for more information on the International Action Day “Freedom not fear – Stop the surveillance mania!” on 11 October 2008
Click here to access material regarding the American Civil Liberties Union project “Safe and Free.”
Click here to contact your elected representatives and tell them that you want them to be aware that of your concern regarding increased surveillance in this country and overseas.
Click here to read, “Under the Watchful Eye: The Proliferation of Video Surveillance Systems in California”
Click here to read the American Bar Association’s piece entitled “Civil Liberties in a Time of Crisis.”