============================================================== @@@@ @@@@ @@@ @@@@ @ @ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @@@@ @@@ @ @ @@@@@ @ @@@ @@@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @@@@ @ @@@ @@@@ @ @ @@@@ @@@@ @ @ @ ============================================================== Volume 7.17 September 25, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------- Published by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) Washington, D.C. http://www.epic.org/alert/EPIC_Alert_7.17.html ======================================================================= Table of Contents ======================================================================= [1] EPIC and PI Release Third Annual Privacy and Human Rights Survey [2] It's Baaack ... Mandatory Filtering Returns to Congress [3] Banned Books Week Celebrates Freedom of Expression [4] Privacy Foundation Investigates :CueCat Scanning Device [5] Int'l Data Protection Conference Brings Together NGOs [6] Upcoming Forum Presents ICANN Candidates [7] EPIC Bookstore - Privacy & Human Rights 2000 [8] Upcoming Conferences and Events ======================================================================= [1] EPIC and PI Release Third Annual Privacy and Human Rights Survey ======================================================================= On September 19, EPIC and Privacy International (PI) released their third annual Privacy and Human Rights survey. "Privacy and Human Rights 2000: An International Survey of Privacy Laws and Developments", reviews the state of privacy in over fifty countries around the world. The report finds worldwide recognition of privacy as a fundamental human right. Many countries around the world are enacting comprehensive data protection laws to safeguard individual privacy. Many of these countries, especially in South America, South Africa and Central Europe, are introducing such laws to remedy privacy violations that occurred under previous authoritarian regimes. Others, such as in Asia, are developing information privacy laws in an effort to promote electronic commerce. Others still, such as countries in Central and Eastern Europe, are hoping to become members of the European Union and are adopting laws based on the 1995 European Union Data Protection Directive. At the same time, both law enforcement agencies and private corporations are extending surveillance powers through the use of new technologies. The report notes that many of the recent threats to individual privacy result from new Internet-based commercial services, such as interactive television -- or "SpyTV" -- that record the preferences of individuals. The report recommends improved oversight and stricter enforcement of current laws to prevent such practices. The report also argues that the United States government is leading a multi-tiered effort to limit individual privacy and enhance law enforcement surveillance powers. For example, on the domestic front, it is promoting domestic laws such as the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) that make it mandatory for all companies developing telephone switching, cellular, and satellite communications technologies to build in surveillance capabilities. The government has also sought to limit the development and dissemination of encryption products that protect individuals' private communications. At the international level, the report finds that the U.S. has been vigorously promoting greater use of electronic surveillance and pressurizing countries, such as Japan, into adopting wiretapping laws. It has also been working through international bodies such as the European Union, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe and the G-8 to promote surveillance and place restrictions on online privacy, anonymity, and encryption. "Privacy and Human Rights 2000: An International Survey of Privacy Laws and Developments" by David Banisar is available at: http://www.epic.org/phr/ ======================================================================= [2] It's Baaack ... Mandatory Filtering Returns to Congress ======================================================================= In what is becoming a perennial end-of-session strategy, proponents of mandatory Internet filtering are again trying to push legislation through Congress. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) have attached a federal filtering mandate to the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS). The "Children's Internet Protection Act" would require all public schools and libraries that receive federal funding for Internet access to install Internet blocking software on their computer terminals. Proponents of controversial measures often attempt to attach them to major appropriations bills when it appears unlikely that the legislation would survive if considered independently. Supporters of Internet censorship and filtering have often resorted to such tactics; the Child Online Protection Act (since ruled unconstitutional) was attached to an omnibus spending bill last fall, and there have been several unsuccessful attempts to enact filtering requirements in similar fashion. With the election campaign now in full swing, members of Congress are likely to feel political pressure to support efforts to "protect" children, no matter how misguided or ineffective they might be. The McCain-Istook mandate would deny local schools and libraries the ability to establish Internet policies and practices that conform with the values and desires of their communities. For instance, the citizens of Holland, Michigan rejected a mandatory library filtering initiative earlier this year (see EPIC Alert 7.04), despite a strong campaign financed by a national pro-filtering group. That community decision, however, would be overturned by the "one-size-fits-all" filtering requirements now pending before Congress. In an effort to preserve local choice, most of the major education and library organizations are opposed to the McCain-Istook amendment. More information on Internet filtering, including ways to weigh in on the pending legislative mandate, is available at the Internet Free Expression Alliance website: http://www.ifea.net ======================================================================= [3] Banned Books Week Celebrates Freedom of Expression ======================================================================= A group of publishers, booksellers, and libraries have launched the Nineteenth Annual Banned Books Week, to run from September 23rd through the 30th. The week-long event highlights the importance of First Amendment freedoms and the need to protect controversial expression against attempts at censorship. For the period 1990-1999, 5,718 attempts to remove or restrict materials have been reported to the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom. The top ten list of most challenged books for the decade includes works such as "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. In 1999 alone, there were 472 challenges to various publications. The popular Harry Potter books topped the list of the past year's most challenged books due to the series' references to wizardry and magic. As an illustration of the need for protecting free expression, one-third of the Modern Library's list of the 100 best novels of the 20th century have been previously banned or challenged in bookstores, libraries, or schools. The banned books include notable works such as "The Grapes of Wrath", "The Great Gatsby", and "Brave New World". In the words of past ALA President Ann K. Symons, "Ideas can only flourish-and democracy survive-if the right of everyone to choose for themselves what they wish to read, hear and view is guaranteed". More information about Banned Books Week is available at: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/index.html Exercise your right to free expression at the EPIC Bookstore: http://www.epic.org/bookstore/bannedbooks/ ======================================================================= [4] Privacy Foundation Investigates :CueCat Scanning Device ======================================================================= The Privacy Foundation, a privacy research center based in Denver, has completed an analysis of a new product produced by Digital:Convergence called :CueCat. The device raises privacy concerns due the incorporation of unique identifiers that potentially facilitate user tracking. The device, distributed for free with upcoming issues of Forbes and Wired magazines, attaches to a personal computer and scans bar codes appearing in print advertisements and articles that will bring consumers to web pages featuring the selected products. The :CueCat can also be attached to televisions and will present similar features in response to audio signals included in broadcasts. The information gathered through the device will be provided to its marketing partners as "demographic and psychographic data". Digital:Convergence plans to make the devices widely available, distributing up to 10 million by the end of this year and 50 million by the end of 2001. The privacy concerns of the product arise due to its use of unique identifiers. Unique identifiers have been at the center of recent privacy controversies such as the Intel Processor Serial Number (PSN) and online profiling conducted by Internet advertiser DoubleClick. Much as in the situation surrounding those companies' products, when a consumer uses :CueCat, the device will send an unique identifier with the transmitted data. Digital:Convergence also collects personal data such as names, email addresses, and zip codes via registration but claims to have no plans to link this information with profile data about what individuals are scanning. The Privacy Foundation recommends that the company distribute a software patch that can disable unique identifiers and explicitly disclose its information collection practices. The :CueCat Bar Code Reader Privacy Advisory is available from the Privacy Foundation: http://www.privacyfoundation.org/advisories/advCueCat1.html ======================================================================= [5] Int'l Data Protection Conference Brings Together NGOs ======================================================================= On September 27, EPIC and Privacy International will host a conference, "The Public Voice in Privacy Policy," in Venice, Italy. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the International Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners to begin on September 28. Both events will be webcast live. The conference will bring together leading academic experts, NGO leaders, and privacy officials from around the world to explore current issues in privacy protection. Panel discussions will focus on the globalization of surveillance; copyright protection and privacy; the EU-US negotiations on transborder data flows (Safe Harbor); and the need for an international convention on data protection. The first of these conferences was organized by Privacy International and held in Sydney in 1992. Subsequent meetings have taken place in Manchester (1993), The Hague (1994), Copenhagen (1995), Ottawa (1996), Brussels (1997), and Hong Kong (1999). For program and registration details see: http://www.epic.org/events/publicvoice_venice/ For the webcasts and the International Data Protection Commissioner's conference agenda, visit the Italian Data Protection Commission's homepage at: http://www.dataprotection.org/ ======================================================================= [6] Upcoming Forum Presents ICANN Candidates ======================================================================= The Internet Democracy Project and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University are jointly presenting "A Day with the ICANN North-American Candidates" on October 2 in Cambridge, MA. The afternoon will bring together all of the North American candidates to discuss the role of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, as well as the issues confronting the organization. Later that evening, the candidates will participate in a question-and-answer candidates forum. Both events will be webcast live, open to the public, and allow for remote participation. For more information, visit the Internet Democracy Project homepage: http://www.internetdemocracyproject.org/ To register for the webcast: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/icann/candidateforum/ ======================================================================= [7] EPIC Bookstore - Privacy & Human Rights 2000 ======================================================================= **NEW** Privacy & Human Rights 2000: An International Survey of Privacy Laws and Developments by David Banisar http://www.epic.org/phr/ This survey, by EPIC and Privacy International, reviews the state of privacy in over fifty countries around the world. The survey examines a wide range of privacy issues including, data protection, telephone tapping, genetic databases, ID systems and freedom of information laws. The report finds that there is a worldwide recognition of privacy as a fundamental human right. Many countries around the world are enacting comprehensive data protection laws to safeguard individual privacy increase. However at the same time, privacy is increasingly being undermined by technical advances and the demands of intelligence and law enforcement agencies for increased surveillance powers. There is a strong need for improved oversight and stricter enforcement of current laws to ensure that legal protections are not ignored as threats to personal privacy. ================================ EPIC Publications: "The Privacy Law Sourcebook 2000: United States Law, International Law, and Recent Developments," Marc Rotenberg, editor (EPIC 2000). Price: $40. http://www.epic.org/pls/ The "Physicians Desk Reference of the privacy world." An invaluable resource for students, attorneys, researchers and journalists who need an up-to-date collection of U.S. and International privacy law, as well as a comprehensive listing of privacy resources. ================================ "Cryptography and Liberty 2000: An International Survey of Encryption Policy," Wayne Madsen and David Banisar, editors (EPIC 2000). Price: $20. http://www.epic.org/crypto&/ EPIC's third survey of encryption policies around the world. The results indicate that the efforts to reduce export controls on strong encryption products have largely succeeded, although several governments are gaining new powers to combat the perceived threats of encryption to law enforcement. ================================ "Filters and Freedom - Free Speech Perspectives on Internet Content Controls," David Sobel, editor (EPIC 1999). Price: $20. http://www.epic.org/filters&freedom/ A collection of essays, studies, and critiques of Internet content filtering. These papers are instrumental in explaining why filtering threatens free expression. ================================ Additional titles on privacy, open government, free expression, computer security, and crypto, as well as films and DVDs can be ordered through the EPIC Bookstore: http://www.epic.org/bookstore/ ======================================================================= [8] Upcoming Conferences and Events ======================================================================= KnowRight 2000 - InfoEthics Europe. Austrian Computer Society and UNESCO. September 26-29, 2000. Vienna, Austria. For more information: http://www.ocg.at/KR-IE2000.html The Public Voice in Privacy Policy. EPIC and Privacy International. September 27, 2000. Venice, Italy. For more information: http://www.epic.org/events/publicvoice_venice/ Media, Democracy & The Constitution. The Fund for Constitutional Government. September 27, 2000. National Press Club. Washington, DC. For more information: FunConGov@aol.com One World, One Privacy: 22nd Annual International Conference on Privacy and Personal Data Protection. September 28-30, 2000. Venice, Italy. For more information: http://www.dataprotection.org/ Drawing the Blinds: Reconstructing Privacy in the Information Age. CPSR's Annual Conference and Wiener Award Dinner. October 14, 2000. Philadelphia, PA. For more information: http://www.cpsr.org. Privacy: A Social Research Conference. New School University. October 5-7, 2000. New York, NY. For more information: http://www.newschool.edu/centers/socres/privacy/ Call for Papers. Financial Cryptography '01. Cayman Islands. For more information: http://www.fc01.uwm.edu Call for Papers. Online, Offshore and Cross-Border: Regulating Global E-Commerce. Washington College of Law, American University. October 15, 2000. For more information: lawrev@wcl.american.edu Measuring & Analyzing Online Customer Behavior. International Quality and Productivity Center. October 23-24, 2000. Chicago, IL. For more information: http://www.iqpc.com Privacy2000: Information and Security in the Digital Age. October 31- November 1, 2000. Columbus, Ohio. For more information: http://www.privacy2000.org Mealey's Internet Law 101 Conference. November 1-2, 2000. Tysons Corner, VA. For more information: seminars@mealeys.com 2000 BNA Public Policy Forum: e-commerce and internet regulation. November 15-16, 2000. Tysons Corner, VA. For more information: http://internetconference.pf.com Network and Distributed System Security Symposium (NDSS '01). Internet Society. February 7-9, 2001. San Diego, CA. For more information: http://www.isoc.org/ndss01/ ======================================================================= Subscription Information ======================================================================= The EPIC Alert is a free biweekly publication of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. A Web-based form is available for subscribing or unsubscribing at: http://www.epic.org/alert/subscribe.html To subscribe or unsubscribe using email, send email to epic-news@epic.org with the subject: "subscribe" (no quotes) or "unsubscribe". Back issues are available at: http://www.epic.org/alert/ ======================================================================= Privacy Policy ======================================================================= The EPIC Alert mailing list is used only to mail the EPIC Alert and to send notices about EPIC activities. We do not sell, rent or share our mailing list. We also intend to challenge any subpoena or other legal process seeking access to our mailing list. We do not enhance (link to other databases) our mailing list or require your actual name. In the event you wish to subscribe or unsubscribe your email address from this list, please follow the above instructions under "subscription information". Please contact info@epic.org if you have any other questions. ======================================================================= About EPIC ======================================================================= The Electronic Privacy Information Center is a public interest research center in Washington, DC. It was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging privacy issues such as the Clipper Chip, the Digital Telephony proposal, national ID cards, medical record privacy, and the collection and sale of personal information. EPIC is sponsored by the Fund for Constitutional Government, a non-profit organization established in 1974 to protect civil liberties and constitutional rights. EPIC publishes the EPIC Alert, pursues Freedom of Information Act litigation, and conducts policy research. For more information, e-mail info@epic.org, http://www.epic.org or write EPIC, 1718 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009. +1 202 483 1140 (tel), +1 202 483 1248 (fax). If you'd like to support the work of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, contributions are welcome and fully tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to "The Fund for Constitutional Government" and sent to EPIC, 1718 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009. Your contributions will help support Freedom of Information Act and First Amendment litigation, strong and effective advocacy for the right of privacy and efforts to oppose government regulation of encryption and expanding wiretapping powers. Thank you for your support. ---------------------- END EPIC Alert 7.17 ----------------------- .