Supporter Update: March 2011
We’ve lots of exciting news, too much to mention, so here are the highlights:
We have launched our new ORG supporters magazine, run and edited by ORG volunteers and publishing daily. The Zine aims to highlight digital rights issues whether UK, future or present, and has a very high standard of contributions. Recent highlights include an interview with Neil Gaiman; Copyright gone mad; and an overview of the Digital Economy Act debates.
You can also follow the Zine on Twitter
ORG Intervenes in Digital Economy Act Judicial Review
ORG has filed papers outlining some of the problems with the #DEAct – that it will identify the wrong people, will be quickly circumvented and was based on flawed assumptions. Francis Davey compiled the legal case alongside evidence from Richard Clayton The hearing is on March 22-24
ORG warns ministers about web blocking
Web blocking for “copyright infringement” has raised its head again: we have written to Ministers Ed Vaizey and Jeremy Hunt to demand that civil liberties organisations are involved in any discussions from the outset – or they risk making the same mistake of proposing laws leading to abuse and censorship all over again.
We also released a short video exploring some of these issues.
ORG contributes to the Hargreaves Review
After David Cameron called for more flexible copyright last year, the Hargreaves Review has spent three months gathering evidence to see how the UK’s copyright and patent systems should be reformed to help innovation and competition. Peter Bradwell, our copyright campaigner, co-ordinated and drafted our response.
Domain suspensions at Nominet
Nominet recently announced that they wish to have a process to allow the police to request suspension of UK domains. ORG will insist that due process is followed – and police are not given a blanket power to suspend domains without legal protections for domain owners. We have asked to be part of the consultation process.
ORG at Select Committee Hearing
Jim Killock will be appearing at the Public Administration Select Committee, and will be commenting on privacy and technological problems with big IT projects:
Open Data: the new “Public Data Corporation”
Among the positive things we hear about is the commitment of the government to open up public data. However, the muddled plans for a new Public Data Corporation threaten to overshadow the good news. ORG is working to ensure that the new PDC maintains the focus on the provision of free public data, rather than becoming a cash cow at the expense of transparency and innovation.
Privacy and Open Data
ORG is working hard with Open Data friends across Europe to make sure governments understand where the privacy risks with open data might lie. Javier Ruiz, our Open Data campaigner, promoted and co-organised an international workshop on the topic in Leuven. You can join the discussion list.
ORG, FreeBMD and the Open Knowledge Foundation have launched a campaign to create free legal access to key government historic records, including better use of commercial digitisation projects.
Thank you for reading,
Jim Killock
Executive Director, Open Rights Group