The Day We Fight Back

I've written to my MP, Nicola Blackwood, again. This time to highlight the Don't Spy on Us campaign launched by the Open Rights Group, Liberty, Big Brother Watch, Article 19, English Pen and Privacy International. It's the UK arm of the global The Day We Fight Back.

The form on the Don't spy on us campaign page returned an error when I tried to use it, so I emailed Ms Blackwood directly instead.

"Nicola,

I realise from our recent correspondence that you don't necessarily agree with my perspective on the Snowden revelations.

http://b2fxxx.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/further-mp-reponse-on-snowden.html

So I expect you will not be surprised to learn I have signed up to the "Don't Spy on Us" campaign, launched today by the Open Rights Group, Liberty, English Pen, Big Brother Watch, Privacy International and Article 19.

It's based on 6 principles which it's really a little surprising anyone would consider in any way controversial in 2014:

1. No surveillance without suspicion

2. Transparent laws, not secret laws

3. Judicial not political authorisation

4. Effective democratic oversight

5. The right to redress

6. A secure Web for all

(Personally I would have rephrased that last one to "A secure internet for all" but a secure Web would be a start).

Even if you have made up your mind on the UK government response to the Snowden affair, I would ask that you still give serious consideration to the general points of principle raised by the Don't Spy on Us campaign in this centenary year marking the beginning of World War 1.

You may additionally be interested in my submission to the Intelligence and Security Committee Inquiry into privacy and security -

http://b2fxxx.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/submission-to-isc-inquiry-into-privacy.html

You can also find more details on the Don't Spy on Us campaign at the website

https://www.dontspyonus.org.uk/org

Thanks as ever for taking the time to consider my thoughts on what are inherently difficult matters.

Regards,

Ray"