UK MPs call for ID cards and surveillance, but demand privacy for themselves

Cory Doctorow 7:33 am Mon Apr 12, 2010

Guy from Power2010 sez, "Power2010 have released a brief report showing examples of hypocrisy by UK ministers and MPs when it comes to privacy and personal information. We are timing the release of the report alongside a 'speak out' campaign targeting all parliamentary
candidates which allows people to message their candidates asking them to take a different approach to
privacy and transparency and end the 'one rule for us, one rule for them' approach. "

Hundreds of MPs voted in favour of each and every one of us being fingerprinted for the ID database and having an ID card.

Yet I'm sure I don't have to tell you that very few MPs have chosen to get one, even though they're now available to those who volunteer.

But what should we expect? After all, dozens of these same MPs voted to exempt themselves from the Freedom of Information Act, all in the name of their "privacy" of course, whilst passing laws that erode all of our privacy.

You can find out more about the history of double standards from this Parliament in a special report released by Power2010.

I've had enough of these hypocrites, haven't you? Join us in demanding that all candidates commit to scrapping the ID card scheme, and to defending our privacy – and that of our children – as fiercely as they defend their own:

One rule for them | POWER 2010

THE PARLIAMENT
OF HYPOCRITES
(PDF)

Turning bricks into batteries

Researchers have transformed ordinary red bricks into batteries by injecting gases that enable the material to store electricity . Developed by chemists at Washington University, each brick costs only $3… READ THE REST
Motorized backpack self-adjusts its motion to feel lighter

When you walk around carrying a heavy backpack, the movement of the pack against your body increases the amount of energy you need to take each step. Now, Huazhong University… READ THE REST
Finally revealed: identity of hacker blamed for stealing from 300+ companies and governments, in 44 countries

Unsealed court documents reveal the identity of Fxmsp, a hacker from Kazakhstan who is blamed for information theft from more than 300 companies and governments, in 44 different countries around… READ THE REST
Short Post, just one paragraph

Dessert cheesecake wafer bear claw fruitcake. Fruitcake chupa chups donut candy canes marzipan. Apple pie sweet roll tart chocolate cake macaroon marshmallow carrot cake gummi bears sweet. Pastry sugar plum… READ THE REST
Save 50% on a 1-year subscription to Dashlane's premium password manager

We all know vital information about ourselves and our private digital accounts can be compromised by cybercriminals. However, many would be frightened to know just how compromised they and their… READ THE REST
The Bite Helper removes the itch of a mosquito bite in seconds

While mosquitoes have certainly earned their title as the deadliest animal on earth, their impact on most of our lives is usually a lot less consequential. But even though they… READ THE REST