NetSquared London & Midlands: Tech & digital for small voluntary organisations
Description changed:
Event Information
This is an additional/alternative date for the session from CAST & IVAR event on Wednesday 3rd February on the same topic. Please only sign up to one, not both, events.
2020 saw many small voluntary organisations grappling with tech and taking their services online for the first time.
In the space of a few short months, new tools were trialled, new service delivery approaches were tested, new skills were learned and new knowledge was built.
About the session
This event is run by the NetSquared London and NetSquared Midlands tech for good communities. We host events for nonprofits and techies to come together to share ideas, learn new skills, ask questions, and collaborate around using technology for social benefit.
We are part of the international NetSquared community.
This is a space to take stock, share and learn from others who've been on a similar digital journey. It'll be an open, safe, lightly-facilitated space to reflect and listen.
Who it's for
This meetup is aimed specifically at small charities. Because we know some of the tech and digital challenges facing small charities are unique to this group.
Why attend
Research shows that peer support and involvement in Tech for Good communities helps accelerate progress with digital - building confidence, resilience and valuable connections. Plus, it's free!
How to sign up
Simply complete this form https://lu.ma/eqctebvx, and once we approve your registration you'll be sent a confirmation with joining instructions.
Please share this with any other small organisations you think would find it helpful :)
Join us for a special election season event about disinformation and manipulation in political campaigning.
First up, we’re got a FREE screening of the Netflix documentary The Great Hack, which uncovers the dark world of data exploitation through the journeys of players from the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data scandal.
After the film, we’ll show you how to submit a subject access request (SAR) to UK political parties so you can find out exactly what personal data they are holding on you.
To complete a (SAR), you’ll need to bring a laptop or phone and a photo ID that proves your identity and lists your current voting address. A driving licence will suffice if the address is your current voting address. If the address is outdated, you'll need to add a second document with your current voting address. This could be a utility bill, council tax bill or a bank statement from the last 3 months.
The Great Hack film screening & Subject Access Request workshop
Description changed:
Join us for a special election season event about disinformation and manipulation in political campaigning.
First up, we’re got a FREE screening of the Netflix documentary The Great Hack, which uncovers the dark world of data exploitation through the journeys of players from the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data scandal.
After the film, we’ll show you how to submit a subject access request (SAR) to UK political parties so you can find out exactly what personal data they are holding on you.
We’ll supply refreshments. Be sure to bring your laptop or phone and two forms of ID (including one with a photo) so you can properly submit your personal data request.
Concerned about Government proposals to regulate social media platforms (and social media users)? Curious about the state of digital censorship in the UK?
Then join us in Birmingham for an evening with Open Rights Group executive director Jim Killock as he reviews new Government plans to address “online harms” from bullying to terrorism, and how it could impact your right to free expression online.
We’ll also discuss how you can make your voice heard by responding to the Government’s public consultation.
This is a free event and no experience is necessary. All are welcome!
Will social media regulation curtail free expression online?
Description changed:
Concerned about Government proposals to regulate social media platforms (and social media users)? Curious about the state of digital censorship in the UK?
Then join us in Oxford for an evening with Open Rights Group executive director Jim Killock as he reviews new Government plans to address “online harms” from bullying to terrorism, and how it could impact your right to free expression online.
We’ll also discuss how you can make your voice heard by responding to the Government’s public consultation.
This is a free event and no experience is necessary. All are welcome!
Join us on Monday 18 March when we'll hear from ORG’s executive director Jim Killock about the current state of digital censorship in the UK.
We'll consider findings in ORG's new report on UK Internet regulation which reviews both formal and informal pracitices of digital censorship in the UK.
When it comes to web blocking, the same rules do not apply online as offline. Many powers and practices the government employs to remove online content would be deemed unacceptable if they were applied to offline publications.
Informal censorship practices
- Nominet domain suspensions
- The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU)
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
- ISP content filtering
There will be an opportunity to ask questions and to find out how to take action to fight digital censorship.
How to exercise your Personal Data rights to improve outcomes for all
Description changed:
Drawing on his own experiences, personal data advocate Emmanuel Lazardis (@StatLaw on Twitter) will show you how you can use your rights under the GDPR regulations to take control of your own data and put pressure on companies to treat your personal information and privacy with more respect.
There'll be time to ask questions and discuss the issues Emmanuel will raise.
Event update 03/11/2018 - event rescheduled for Wednesday 21 November.
Due to a scheduling clash at BOM we have had to move November's meetup from 14 to 21 November. Unfortunately, this means our invited guest speaker, Emmanuel Lazardis (@StatLaw on Twitter), will not be able to join us.
Never fear, however, as regular ORG organiser Leo will still be on hand to show you some decentralised alternatives to Facebook and Twitter! There'll be time to try out these tools and to discuss recent goings on in the area of digital technology and human rights.
digital rights.
And don't worry, we'll be welcoming Emmanuel to Birmingham for a re-arranged meetup in February 2019. Look out for a new Meetup event going up online very soon.
Drawing on his own experiences, personal data advocate Emmanuel Lazardis (@StatLaw on Twitter) will show you how you can use your rights under the GDPR regulations to take control of your own data and put pressure on companies to treat your personal information and privacy with more respect.
There'll be time to ask questions and discuss the issues Emmanuel will raise. We'll also fill you in on the latest issues affecting your digital rights including the rise of decentralised alternatives to Facebook and Twitter and what action you can take to protect everyone's rights online.
We are pleased to announce our guest speakers will be Dr Dima Saber (Birmingham School of Media, Birmingham City University) and Dr Bharath Ganesh (Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford), who will be sharing their expertise in journalism and social media.
*********************************************************************************
The UK Government, led by Prime Minister Theresa May, has put forward proposals for a 'Digital Charter' to support its stated objective of making the UK "the safest place to be online". While the Open Rights Group recognises the positive impact of some elements of the charter (notably investment to tackle online child sexual abuse), we have serious concerns about the impact many of the measures could have on freedom of speech online.
The Government's position
In the Government's own words (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-charter):
The Digital Charter is a rolling programme of work to agree norms and rules for the online world and put them into practice. In some cases this will be through shifting expectations of behaviour; in some we will need to agree new standards; and in others we may need to update our laws and regulations. Our starting point will be that we will have the same rights and expect the same behaviour online as we do offline.
Key elements of the charter
• Criminalisation of watching streamed terror propaganda - including a strengthened offence under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, prohibiting repeated viewing of online terrorist material.
• Internet Safety Strategy. This is focused on regulation of social media companies and is likely to include a code of practice for social media companies to remove or address bullying, intimidating or humiliating content; an industry-wide levy on social media companies and communication service providers to fund initiatives to counter internet harm. These initiatives are intended to be voluntary; however if companies do not get involved the Government will consider legislative measures.
• Crackdown on child sexual abuse. The Government has announced a £600k initiative to build a new technology to identify and remove indecent images of children.
• Online hate crime hub. The idea behind this initiative is to improve the police response to the problem of hate crime online. The hub is intended to make it easier for people to report online hate crime cases to the police. Police at the hub will then assess them and assign them to local forces. They will also refer cases to online platforms so that hateful content can be removed.
ORG's concerns
• The lack of clear definitions over what constitutes 'hate speech', 'hate crimes' and 'harmful content'.
• Impact of new streamed terror propaganda offence. Again, the Government has provided no definition of what terrorist propaganda is or what constitutes repeat viewing. The Open Rights Group and other civil society organisations are concerned that this sentence will put researchers, journalists and campaigners working on terrorism related issues at risk of prosecution. Even people who report on the existence of propaganda would be put at risk and could be discouraged.
• Giving more power to private corporations. Beyond the specific points of the Charter, I am concerned about the trend towards requiring private corporations to take on policing responsibilities. In a democracy, responsibility for policing and regulating speech should rest with Government, not private entities, and any actions taken against citizens must be subject to due process. The Government's proposals risk further consolidating the power of giant internet companies and reducing the ability of citizens' to challenge decisions.
Find out what the Digital Charter will mean for free speech online
Description changed:
The UK Government, led by Prime Minister Theresa May, has put forward proposals for a 'Digital Charter' to support its stated objective of making the UK "the safest place to be online". While the Open Rights Group recognises the positive impact of some elements of the charter (notably investment to tackle online child sexual abuse), we have serious concerns about the impact many of the measures could have on freedom of speech online.
The Government's position
In the Government's own words (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-charter):
The Digital Charter is a rolling programme of work to agree norms and rules for the online world and put them into practice. In some cases this will be through shifting expectations of behaviour; in some we will need to agree new standards; and in others we may need to update our laws and regulations. Our starting point will be that we will have the same rights and expect the same behaviour online as we do offline.
Key elements of the charter
• Criminalisation of watching streamed terror propaganda - including a strengthened offence under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, prohibiting repeated viewing of online terrorist material.
• Internet Safety Strategy. This is focused on regulation of social media companies and is likely to include a code of practice for social media companies to remove or address bullying, intimidating or humiliating content; an industry-wide levy on social media companies and communication service providers to fund initiatives to counter internet harm. These initiatives are intended to be voluntary; however if companies do not get involved the Government will consider legislative measures.
• Crackdown on child sexual abuse. The Government has announced a £600k initiative to build a new technology to identify and remove indecent images of children.
• Online hate crime hub. The idea behind this initiative is to improve the police response to the problem of hate crime online. The hub is intended to make it easier for people to report online hate crime cases to the police. Police at the hub will then assess them and assign them to local forces. They will also refer cases to online platforms so that hateful content can be removed.
ORG's concerns
• The lack of clear definitions over what constitutes 'hate speech', 'hate crimes' and 'harmful content'. Throughout the charter, the Government appears to use these terms interchangeably and provides no clear definition of what constitutes hate speech. Instead, it is proposing to outsource this problem to social media corporations. As a result of this approach, companies could end up removing speech which many consider unpleasant but is nonetheless lawful.
• Impact of new streamed terror propaganda offence. Again, the Government has provided no definition of what terrorist propaganda is or what constitutes repeat viewing. The Open Rights Group and other civil society organisations are concerned that this sentence will put researchers, journalists and campaigners working on terrorism related issues at risk of prosecution. Even people who report on the existence of propaganda would be put at risk and could be discouraged.
• Giving more power to private corporations. Beyond the specific points of the Charter, I am concerned about the trend towards requiring private corporations to take on policing responsibilities. In a democracy, responsibility for policing and regulating speech should rest with Government, not private entities, and any actions taken against citizens must be subject to due process. The Government's proposals risk further consolidating the power of giant internet companies and reducing the ability of citizens' to challenge decisions.
You can find out more about the Digital Charter here:
Join on Monday 26 March at the University of Birmingham's School of Computer Science for a relaxed discussion about the Digital Charter and what it means for freedom of speech online.
Tired of Twitter? Fed up with Facebook? Miss the variety and quirkiness of the open web? Be the change you want to see in the world by coming to our introduction to the Indieweb!
IndieWeb is a set of software utilities which allows maintainers of personal, independently hosted blogs to independently maintain their social data on their own web domains rather than on large, centralized social networking services. Find out more on the IndieWeb website.
At the session you’ll learn about the philosophy behind Indieweb and the benefits (and challenges) it presents. Just as importantly, you’ll learn how to go about reducing your dependency on the big platforms and building your own independent identity on the web.
We're pleased to announce Kevin Marks, leading IndieWeb advocate and inventor and one of the inventors of Microformats will be joining us for the session. We're also hoping to welcome members of the Homebrew Website Club, a meetup of creatives passionate about improving their own websites, sharing successes & challenges with a like-minded and supportive community.
Blocked! Learn about internet filtering and how you can fight online censorship
Description changed:
Mobile and broadband Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have created filters to stop under 18s from seeing harmful content online. Unfortunately, filters block many harmless websites by mistake - even sites that are aimed at children! Often website owners don't know that this is happening.
Around 3.5 million households have filters switched on, through choice, or by default. In addition, many mobile phone users have filters enabled as they are on by default.
We've developed the Blocked! tool to help check and report sites that shouldn't be filtered. By using the tool, not only will you be helping website owners, you will also increase transparency about how filters work and raise awareness of the problems they can cause.
Join us on Monday 20 November to learn more about internet filtering in the UK and how you can use the Blocked! to help fight prevent the overblocking of websites.
As our next meetup falls just one day before Halloween, we couldn't resist choosing a spooky theme!
We’ll be meeting in BOM for some spooky games and activities before going on for drinks at a nearby city centre pub (location TBC).
Fancy dress is encouraged (but not compulsory). Looking for some inspiration for your fancy dress? Check out EFF's fun blog post, Five Halloween Costumes for Digital Rights Activists (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/10/five-halloween-costumes-digital-rights-activists)
We'll be awarding prizes for the most imaginative costumes so dress to impress!
Got an idea for Halloween/digital rights crossover activity? Get in touch and we’ll add it to the mix.
As our next meetup falls just one day before Halloween, we couldn't resist choosing a spooky theme!
We’ll be meeting in BOM for some spooky games and activities before going on for drinks at a nearby city centre pub (location TBC).
Fancy dress is encouraged (but not compulsory). Looking for some inspiration for your fancy dress? Check out EFF's fun blog post, Five Halloween Costumes for Digital Rights Activists (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/10/five-halloween-costumes-digital-rights-activists)
We'll be awarding prizes for the most imaginative costumes so dress to impress!
Got an idea for Halloween/digital rights crossover activity? Get in touch and we’ll add it to the mix.
Are we at a tipping point for online abuse? Will killer robots change policing? How are extremists using the Internet and can we do anything about it? Is the Internet empowering the marginalised or the most powerful? How are the online rights of people of colour, women, and other marginalised groups being disproportionately affected by regressive laws and online abuse? What are the surveillance developments we should be worrying about next? How can open data transform government? Does the age verification of porn put our privacy and free speech at risk?
These are some of the questions we will be asking at ORGCon 2017. Our amazing line up of writers, technologists and experts will look at the threats we face and what we can do about them. But we'll also be talking about how the Internet has changed politics and campaigning for the good, and how we can harness this to give ordinary citizens a voice, and help to hold the powerful to account.
Confirmed to speak so far: Graham Linehan, Noel Sharkey, Helen Lewis, Nighat Dad, Azmina Dhrodia, Caroline Criado-Perez, Tracy King, Jamie Bartlett, Myles Jackman, Pandora Blake, Nanjira Sambuli, Sarah Jamie Lewis, Audrey Tang and more.
Book your place
To book your place, please visit the ORGCon 2017 website. Tickets cost £15 for members/£40 for non-members.
If you're not yet a supporter, join ORG today for a free ticket!
In addition to the main event on Saturday 4 November, ORGCon will also be running a second, smaller event on the Sunday. Day 2 will focus on digital rights activism featuring a series of smaller concurrent talks and workshops by key experts.
A full weekend pass costs £18 for members/£45 for non-members.
Group travel
Please get in touch if you'd like to travel down to London as a group and/or would like to arrange to stay in the same hostel/hotel.
Local organiser Francis (@francisclarke on Twitter) has already signed up to work as a volunteer on Day 1 of the event but isn't able to stay for the whole weekend.
The purpose of his workshop is to offer practical cybersecurity advice that ‘real people’, not just digital geeks, can understand and apply in their daily lives.
The workshop has been organised in response to recent comments made by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, who justified putting pressure on WhatsApp to weaken their security standards by saying: "real people often prefer ease of use and a multitude of features to perfect, unbreakable security".
The session will examine the very real threats 'real people' face to their security and privacy online and, most importantly, the practical steps people can take to protect themselves and their friends and family. We want the workshop to be as inclusive as possible and will be addressing the additional threats women, BME and LGBTQ people and other groups face when going online.
By running the workshop, we aim to show ‘real people’ that they don’t have to trade their online security and safety for usability and features. We also hope our session makes the Home Secretary and other politicians realise that people do care about security and encourage them to re-think their dangerous plans to force internet companies such as WhatsApp to deliberately weaken the security of their products.
Ahead of the workshop, you may find the following resources helpful:
A DIY Guide to Feminist Cybersecurity
Surveillance Self-Defense
Cyber Aware
Photo: "Official portrait of Amber Rudd" by UK Parliament is licensed under CC BY 3.0 (image modified, just a tad)
The purpose of his workshop is to offer practical cybersecurity advice that ‘real people’, not just digital geeks, can understand and apply in their daily lives.
The workshop has been organised in response to recent comments made by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, who justified putting pressure on WhatsApp to weaken their security standards by saying: "real people often prefer ease of use and a multitude of features to perfect, unbreakable security".
The session will examine the very real threats 'real people' face to their security and privacy online and, most importantly, the practical steps people can take to protect themselves and their friends and family. We want the workshop to be as inclusive as possible and will be addressing the additional threats women, BME and LGBTQ people and other groups face when going online.
By running the workshop, we aim to show ‘real people’ that they don’t have to trade their online security and safety for usability and features. We also hope our session makes the Home Secretary and other politicians realise that people do care about security and encourage them to re-think their dangerous plans to force internet companies such as WhatsApp to deliberately weaken the security of their products.
Ahead of the workshop, you may find the following resources helpful:
A DIY Guide to Feminist Cybersecurity
Surveillance Self-Defense
Cyber Aware
Photo: "Official portait of Amber Rudd" by UK Parliament Exchange is licensed under CC BY 3.0 (image modified, just a tad)
The purpose of his workshop is to offer practical cybersecurity advice that ‘real people’, not just digital geeks, can understand and apply in their daily lives.
The workshop has been organised in response to recent comments made by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, who justified putting pressure on WhatsApp to weaken their security standards by saying: "real people often prefer ease of use and a multitude of features to perfect, unbreakable security".
The session will examine the very real threats 'real people' face to their security and privacy online and, most importantly, the practical steps people can take to protect themselves and their friends and family. We want the workshop to be as inclusive as possible and will be addressing the additional threats women, BME and LGBTQ people and other groups face when going online.
By running the workshop, we aim to show ‘real people’ that they don’t have to trade their online security and safety for usability and features. We also hope our session makes the Home Secretary and other politicians realise that people do care about security and encourage them to re-think their dangerous plans to force internet companies such as WhatsApp to deliberately weaken the security of their products.
Last week, the EU handed Google a record-breaking €2.42bn (£2.14bn) fine for abusing its dominance of the search engine market in building its online shopping service.
Following the EU ruling, you might be wondering what you can do to reduce your dependence on Google services and, in so doing, take steps to increase your privacy. Join us on 24 July for a special workshop where we'll be offering free practical advice for replacing (or at least supplementing) Google services with independent services which do a better job of respecting your privacy and reduce your dependence on the internet giant.
Some examples of how you can De-Google-ify your life
Google Chrome is slick and powerful but did you know it tracks your your activities, even when you're not logged into your Google account? The Firefox browser is developed by the non-profit Mozilla and a global community of contributors. Firefox also won't drain your battery as quickly as Chrome does.
Uncomfortable with Google having every email you've sent or received since the year dot?
Protonmail has been developed by scientists from CERN and MIT and is on a mission to improve the security and privacy of email without compromising on usability.
Fed up with Google recording everything you search for online? DuckDuckGo doesn't store your personal information and won't follow you around the web.
Last week, the EU handed Google a record-breaking €2.42bn (£2.14bn) fine for abusing its dominance of the search engine market in building its online shopping service.
Following the EU ruling, you might be wondering what you can do to reduce your dependence on Google services and, in so doing, take steps to increase your privacy. Join us on 24 July for a special workshop where we'll be offering free practical advice for replacing (or at least supplementing) Google services with independent services which do a better job of respecting your privacy and reduce your dependence on the internet giant.
Some examples of how you can De-Google-ify your life
Google Chrome is slick and powerful but did you know it tracks your your activities, even when you're not logged into your Google account? The Firefox browser is developed by the non-profit Mozilla and a global community of contributors. Firefox also won't drain your battery as quickly as Chrome does.
Uncomfortable with Google having every email you've sent or received since the year dot?
Protonmail
has been developed by scientists from CERN and MIT and is on a mission to improve the security and privacy of email without compromising on usability.
Fed up with Google recording everything you search for online? DuckDuckGo doesn't store your personal information and won't follow you around the web.
What does the General Election result mean for digital rights?
Description changed:
After a tumultuous General Election, Theresa May looks likely to stay on as Prime Minister, albeit in drastically wounded form. In light of these changes, will the Conservatives still be able to deliver on their Manifesto promises to censor social media and weaken encryption? Will a revitalised Labour Party united around Jeremy Corbyn make a stronger case against giving up our liberties in order to combat terrorism? Join us on Monday 26 June to catch up on all the latest developments and discuss the actions the Open Rights Group should take to ensure digital rights are protected in the weeks and months ahead.
Meet author and digital rights activist Cory Doctorow
Description changed:
Author, BoingBoing co-editor and digital rights activist Cory Doctorow will be signing copies of his latest novel, Walkaway, at Waterstones Birmingham between 1 and 2pm on Friday 26 May for a signing event for his will be joining us in store to sign copies of his brand new novel, Walkaway.
In addition to being a great author, Cory has played a crucial role in the development of ORG and remains a good friend of ours to this doay. Let's return the favour by making sure there are plenty of fans at his book signing!
This is a free signing and does not require a reserved ticket. To avoid disappointment please arrive promptly.
More information about Walkaway
Hubert, Seth and Natalie are way too old to be at a Communist party. But in a world wrecked by climate change, in a society owned by the ultra-rich, in a city hollowed out by industrial flight, they have nowhere else to be and nothing better to do.
But there is another way. After all, now that anyone can design and print the basic necessities of life – food, clothing, shelter – from a computer, there is little reason to toil within the system.
So, like thousands of others in the mid-21st century, the three of them turn their back on the world of rules, jobs, the morning
commute and … walkaway.
More information about Cory
Cory Doctorow is a co-editor of Boing Boing and a columnist for the Guardian, Publishers Weekly, and Locus. His award-winning novel Little Brother was a New York Times bestseller. Born and raised in Canada, he lives in Los Angeles.
Quiz your future MP about digital rights at Selly Oak General Election Hustings
Description changed:
The Open Rights Group is encouraging supporters to talk to politicians during the General Election campaign about human rights, civil liberties and digital issues. By speaking out we can help politicians better understand the issues we campaign on and secure greater support for protecting privacy, digital security and freedom of expression.
One of the ways you can do this is by attending a local hustings event. Hustings are a chance to meet all the candidates who are standing for election in your area and to ask them questions. Unfortunately, hustings aren't always very well publicised although projects such as Democracy Club aim to fix this problem.
We've learned that Cotteridge Church in Selly Oak constituency will be holding a hustings event at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 May. Please click on the link below for details of the Candidates standing for election.
https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/B30%203EJ/
We'd love it if you could join us in Selly Oak for the hustings event. You can submit questions in advance by emailing the organisers:
Rev John Nightingale, [masked]
Rev Mike Claridge, [masked] The Open Rights Group recommends we keep our questions fairly general. Here are a couple of suggested questions:
- Will you commit to staying in the European Convention on Human Rights?
- With the passing of the Investigatory Powers Act last year, what is your opinion on the level of surveillance in the UK?
Know about any other hustings events that are happening in Birmingham? If so, please do let us know. If you're on Twitter please tweet us @OpenRightsBrum and we'll share the details with other supporters.
And remember, even if you can't make it to an election event, there are other ways you can make politicians aware of human rights and civil liberties issues. You can ask Candidates via social media. Better yet, if a Candidate knocks on your door during the election, you can have a more detailed conversation about privacy, security and freedom of expression.
To find out who's standing in your local area, visit the excellent Democracy Club's Who Can I Vote for? https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/
Learn how to protect your digital security and privacy
Description changed:
With WikiLeaks' revelations of alleged CIA hacking tools, allegations of the Metropolitan Police hacking activists and journalists and the Home Secretary Amber Rudd attacking encryption, it's more important than ever that we as citizens take steps to protect our digital security and privacy. Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Monday 24 April for a practical session to learn more about the threats you face and, more importantly, what you can actually do to protect yourself.
In addition to offering practical help, we will update you on the findings of our Freedom of Information requests on West Midlands Police's use of mobile surveillance tools and what's happening with the Open Rights Group's national campaigns on the Digital Economy Bill, the Espionage Act and the Investigatory Powers Act.
Under proposals for a new Espionage Act journalists and whistleblowers could be sent to prison for 14 years for exposing corruption and government wrongdoing. Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Tuesday 21 March to find out from Jim Killock, Executive Director of the Open Rights Group, about what the new law means for journalists and whistleblowers and what you can do to stop the Law Commission's proposals.
About the Espionage Act
The Law Commission is advising the Government how to update the law about classified state secrets—they want a new Espionage Act to increase the penalties, and allow journalists handling secret documents to be treated like spies.
Their proposals would stop investigative journalism and public-interest whistleblowing concerning the secret state. Imagine if not only Edward Snowden but also Guardian journalists Alan Rusbridger, Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald, Ewen MacAskill and James Ball were imprisoned for exposing government lawbreaking at GCHQ.
Join us
Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Tuesday 21 March to find out more about what the Espionage Act and what you can do to stop the Law Commission criminalising journalists and public-interest whistleblowers.
Our lead speaker will be Jim Killock, Executive Director of the Open Rights Group. Since joining Open Rights Group in January 2009, Jim has led campaigns against three strikes and the Digital Economy Act, the company Phorm and its plans to snoop on UK users, and against pervasive government Internet surveillance. He is working on data protection and privacy issues, as well as helping ORG to grow in size and breadth. He was named as one of the 50 most influential people on IP issues by Managing IP in 2012. In the same year ORG won Liberty's Human Rights Campaigner of Year award alongside 38 Degrees, for work on issues from copyright to the Snooper’s Charter.
Sign the petition
Nearly 20,000 people have already signed the Open Rights Group's petition, demanding the Law Commission drop plans to criminalise journalists and public-interest whistleblowers. Speak up by signing the petition today.
Under proposals for a new Espionage Act journalists and whistleblowers could be sent to prison for 14 years for exposing corruption and government wrongdoing. Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Tuesday 21 March to find out more about the Espionage Act and what you can do to stop the Law Commission criminalising journalists and public-interest whistleblowers.
About the Espionage Act
The Law Commission is advising the Government how to update the law about classified state secrets—they want a new Espionage Act to increase the penalties, and allow journalists handling secret documents to be treated like spies.
Their proposals would stop investigative journalism and public-interest whistleblowing concerning the secret state. Imagine if not only Edward Snowden but also Guardian journalists Alan Rusbridger, Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald, Ewen MacAskill and James Ball were imprisoned for exposing government lawbreaking at GCHQ.
Join us
Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Tuesday 21 March to find out more about what the Espionage Act and what you can do to stop the Law Commission criminalising journalists and public-interest whistleblowers.
Sign the petition
Nearly 2,000 people have already signed the Open Rights Group's petition, demanding the Law Commission drop plans to criminalise journalists and public-interest whistleblowers. Speak up by signing the petition today.
14 years in prison for journalism?! An in-depth look at the Espionage Act
Description changed:
Under proposals for a new Espionage Act journalists and whistleblowers could be sent to prison for 14 years for exposing corruption and government wrongdoing. Join us Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Tuesday 21 March to find out more about the Espionage Act and what you can do to stop the Law Commission criminalising journalists and public-interest whistleblowers.
About the Espionage Act
The Law Commission is advising the Government how to update the law about classified state secrets—they want a new Espionage Act to increase the penalties, and allow journalists handling secret documents to be treated like spies.
Their proposals would stop investigative journalism and public-interest whistleblowing concerning the secret state. Imagine if not only Edward Snowden but also Guardian journalists Alan Rusbridger, Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald, Ewen MacAskill and James Ball were imprisoned for exposing government lawbreaking at GCHQ.
Join us
Join us at Birmingham Open Media on Tuesday 21 March to find out more about what the Espionage Act and what you can do to stop the Law Commission criminalising journalists and public-interest whistleblowers.
Sign the petition
Nearly 2,000 people have already signed the Open Rights Group's petition, demanding the Law Commission drop plans to criminalise journalists and public-interest whistleblowers. Speak up by signing the petition today.
Join us for our first meetup of 2017 to find out how police forces in the West Midlands are covertly using devices- known as IMSI-catchers or Stingrays - to indiscriminately intercept and hack up to 500 phones every minute. We'll be exploring what police use of IMSI-catchers means for our human rights and civil liberties and what we can do to challenge indiscriminate surveillance.
What's an IMSI-catcher?
Last autumn, independent media co-operative The Bristol Cable revealed that West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia, and Warwickshire police, along with other police forces throughout the UK, had bought devices - known as IMSI-catcher or stingrays - that allow them to spy on thousands of mobile phones at a time.
IMSI-catchers act as 'fake' mobile phone towers. When deployed, all phones in range of the device (anywhere up to an 8km radius!) will try to connect to it. This allows the catcher to intercept your communications and access a raft of personal information, including:
• Your phone's IMSI number - a unique personal identifier
• Your location
• Calls and text messages
• Encryption keys used to secure your communications
Indiscriminate surveillance with little or no scrutiny
Because IMSI-catcher indiscriminately hoover up mobile update, their legality has been hotly contested. Silkie Carlo, Policy Officer at Liberty has said:
“It is inconceivable that using devices built to indiscriminately intercept and hack up to 500 phones every minute within an 8km radius can be lawful”
Campaigners have fought for many years to get authorities to even acknowledge the existence of IMSI-catcher, let alone accept democratic debate and legal scrutiny over their use.
There are concerns IMSI-catchers are being used to target peaceful protesters. Last year, a special investigation revealed IMSI-catchers were being used at anti-austerity protests.
How are IMSI-catchers used in Birmingham?
Commenting on the revelations in The Express and Star, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “We maintain close oversight of this important area of work.”
Yet as members of the public, there is no way to know if this is true, as West Midlands Police will neither confirm or deny they own or use IMSI-catchers because, according to them, doing so would so would compromise operations.
https://youtu.be/rzBWoVh4qhk
Accessibility
Please be aware our meetup will be held in the basement room at BOM. Access to the basement room is via stairs only and so unfortunately our event may not be accessible to all. Please get in touch with us if you have any accessibility issues and we will do our best to resolve them.
Image: an IMSI-catcher, commonly known as a Stingray. Source: Public Domain
Image: an IMSI-catcher, commonly known as a Stingray. Source: Public Domain
Join us for our first meetup of 2017 to find out how police forces in the West Midlands are covertly using devices- known as IMSI-catchers or Stingrays - to indiscriminately intercept and hack up to 500 phones every minute. We'll be exploring what police use of IMSI-catchers means for our human rights and civil liberties and what we can do to challenge indiscriminate surveillance.
What's an IMSI-catcher?
Last autumn, independent media co-operative The Bristol Cable revealed that West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia, and Warwickshire police, along with other police forces throughout the UK, had bought devices - known as IMSI-catcher or stingrays - that allow them to spy on thousands of mobile phones at a time.
IMSI-catchers act as 'fake' mobile phone towers. When deployed, all phones in range of the device (anywhere up to an 8km radius!) will try to connect to it. This allows the catcher to intercept your communications and access a raft of personal information, including:
• Your phone's IMSI number - a unique personal identifier
• Your location
• Calls and text messages
• Encryption keys used to secure your communications
Indiscriminate surveillance with little or no scrutiny
Because IMSI-catcher indiscriminately hoover up mobile update, their legality has been hotly contested. Silkie Carlo, Policy Officer at Liberty has said:
“It is inconceivable that using devices built to indiscriminately intercept and hack up to 500 phones every minute within an 8km radius can be lawful”
Campaigners have fought for many years to get authorities to even acknowledge the existence of IMSI-catcher, let alone accept democratic debate and legal scrutiny over their use.
There are concerns IMSI-catchers are being used to target peaceful protesters. Last year, a special investigation revealed IMSI-catchers were being used at anti-austerity protests.
How are IMSI-catchers used in Birmingham?
Commenting on the revelations in The Express and Star, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “We maintain close oversight of this important area of work.”
Yet as members of the public, there is no way to know if this is true, as West Midlands Police will neither confirm or deny they own or use IMSI-catchers because, according to them, doing so would so would compromise operations.
https://youtu.be/rzBWoVh4qhk
Accessibility
Please be aware our meetup will be held in the basement room at BOM. Access to the basement room is via stairs only and so unfortunately our event may not be accessible to all. Please get in touch with us if you have any accessibility issues and we will do our best to resolve them.
Learn about how mobile phone users are spied on in Birmingham
Description changed:
Image: an IMSI-catcher, commonly known as a Stingray. Source: Public Domain
Join us for our first meetup of 2017 to find out how police forces in the West Midlands are covertly using devices- known as IMSI-catchers or Stingrays - to indiscriminately intercept and hack up to 500 phones every minute. We'll be exploring what police use of IMSI-catchers means for our human rights and civil liberties and what we can do to challenge indiscriminate surveillance.
What's an IMSI-catcher?
Last autumn, independent media co-operative The Bristol Cable revealed that West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia, and Warwickshire police, along with other police forces throughout the UK, had bought devices - known as IMSI-catcher or stingrays - that allow them to spy on thousands of mobile phones at a time.
IMSI-catchers act as 'fake' mobile phone towers. When deployed, all phones in range of the device (anywhere up to an 8km radius!) will try to connect to it. This allows the catcher to intercept your communications and access a raft of personal information, including:
• Your phone's IMSI number - a unique personal identifier
• Your location
• Calls and text messages
• Encryption keys used to secure your communications
Indiscriminate surveillance with little or no scrutiny
Because IMSI-catcher indiscriminately hoover up mobile update, their legality has been hotly contested. Silkie Carlo, Policy Officer at Liberty has said:
“It is inconceivable that using devices built to indiscriminately intercept and hack up to 500 phones every minute within an 8km radius can be lawful”
Campaigners have fought for many years to get authorities to even acknowledge the existence of IMSI-catcher, let alone accept democratic debate and legal scrutiny over their use.
There are concerns IMSI-catchers are being used to target peaceful protesters. Last year, a special investigation revealed IMSI-catchers were being used at anti-austerity protests.
How are IMSI-catchers used in Birmingham?
Commenting on the revelations in The Express and Star, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “We maintain close oversight of this important area of work.”
Yet as members of the public, there is no way to know if this is true, as West Midlands Police will neither confirm or deny they own or use IMSI-catchers because, according to them, doing so would so would compromise operations.
Have you got room in your life for one more Christmas social? If so, then please join us at Hennesseys Bar in Digbeth on the evening of Monday 12 December between for a chance to talk to people who care about digital rights, reflect on what we've accomplished this year and look ahead to how we can advance our movement in 2017.
NetSquared Midlands
This year we're holding our Christmas social in conjunction with NetSquared Midlands, who regularly organise meetups for people interested in using web or mobile technology for social good. Chances are if you're an Open Rights Group you'll find plenty in common with NetSquared Midlands meetup.
Bring a friend
Our social is free to attend and everyone is welcome to attend. If you've got a partner, friend or family member who you think might be interested in knowing more about ORG's work, please do encourage them to join us for our social.
EU plans to reform copyright law threaten creativity and free expression on the internet, placing serious restrictions on the ability of ordinary users to create, share and remix memes, GIFs and other forms of culture.
Come along to our free Mozilla Maker Party at Centrala in Digbeth on Tuesday 22 November at 6pm to make illicit digital culture with artist Antonio Roberts (@hellocatfood) and learn more about what you can do to achieve real, progressive changes in copyright.
https://youtu.be/QjICgr3sz4Y
You can find out more about our event over on the Open Rights Group Birmingham blog.
You can find about other Maker Party events by visiting the Mozilla Maker Party website.
CovTesters Meetup - Thinking like a Security Tester with Bill Matthews
Description changed:
Thinking like a Security Tester
A significant hurdle for testers wanted to start security testing is knowing how to start, where to start and how to talk about Security with others. While it’s relatively easy to pick up a few tricks and tips but Security Testing is more than a bag of tricks that is taught in some classes. In this session we will delve into some models and strategies that have helped me in my journey towards becoming an effective Security Tester on projects; we will focus on two key areas:• Models and Strategies for exploring the Security of a System• Strategies for talking to others about Security Testing and Security Problems. While this is only a short session, it should give you several starting points to deepen your exploration of Security Testing.
About Bill
Bill has been a freelance test consultant for over 18 years working mainly on large migration and integration projects as a Test Architect, Manager and Technical Tester Lead. He spends much of his time focusing on helping companies deliver the more technical elements of system and operational testing such as automation, integration, performance and security.He is a regular speaker at testing conferences mainly on technical topics as well as delivering workshops and training courses focusing on security testing in different contexts such as web, APIs and mobile application security.
'She said what?' - Intro to active listening #CovTestersMeetup
Description changed:
Active listening is fundamental for effective communication. In most conversations when we are listening to someone, we are already formulating a response to what is being said. This results in us likely to miss out visual cues and also to miss out understanding what is actually being said. Active listening is where we listen instead of just hearing.
Raji will present basic principles of active listening and how this is important in a tester's daily life.
Some of the takeaways from this session will be:
· Introduction to active listening
· Importance of active listening
· Hands on exercises to experience some active listening principles
Networking and Mini-Workshops - Christian Networking Event
Description changed:
We will arrive ready for a full english breakfast at 7:30am.
After breakfast everyone will get an opportunity to give a 60 second talk about what kind of business they are looking for.
There will then be a prayer of blessing over everybody and their business. After this will be a 15 minute intensive networking slot whereby business will be referred and relationships will be started.
Following on from the emphasis on networking we have two mini-workshops. The first is usually more educational whereby you will learn strategies and be given tools in order to be effective and successful in your field. The second workshop tends to be more inspirational. Here you will be reminded of your life purpose and inspired to live with meaning, love and passion. We regulary have top international guest speakers so book on and be surprised at how much you learn and how many contacts you make.
Category: Classes / Courses | Professional Training | Meetup & Networking | Startups.
Join us at our vendor neutral technology event at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on the 18th June. Our events are FREE to attend and are run by a committee of independent volunteers. Our aim is to provide an informative, educational environment where both delegates and sponsors can network in a relaxed atmosphere. This season we will be discussing hyper-convergence and the future of integrating virtualisation, storage and the datacentre.
Come along for a chance to win some exciting prizes, meet local like-minded peers and learn from those already realising the benefits of virtualisation.
Who attends?
Our delegates are IT professionals in roles such as Infrastructure Engineer, Technical Architect and IT Manager. The programme is designed with this in mind, however, anyone with a professional interest in our user group streams is welcome at our events.
For more information visit our website at www.technology.ug or contact us by email at kimi.smith@technology.ug or by phone on 01423 593134.
