In a message dated 04/07/2002 12:49:53 GMT Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< I'd be interested in the List's views on Blunkett's "consultation" exercise
concerning "Entitlement" Cards. >>
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I'd be interested to hear whether any list members will be involved in the
consultation, either in an official capacity or as an individual offering a
view.
My personal view is that as individuals we should vehemently oppose the
introduction of such a card on the bases that: the intended initial uses will
inevitably be extended once they are in place; and that it infringes our
civil liberties.
Who knows what future governments will use it for? What if M. Le Penn's
near-victory is surpassed by a similar faction over here? What would
persecutors of the past have given for all those details made available on
databases and accessible at the touch of a button?
Who do you think will get the contract for running the scheme? Maybe a
foreign company that already has our tax records, contributions records,
criminal records, many local government records, some retail information
about us and is likely to also get our health records? Or maybe you feel it
will go to a totally independent company with little or no expertise in
handling huge public databases?
I, for one, am prepared to tolerate a few illegal immigrants (on the basis
that many UK citizens are living abroad illegally and I wouldn't necessarily
want all of them back) and a few benefits cheats (on the basis that the
amount they pilfer is less than the amount of underpaid benefits each year
and it might actually cost us more money to administer the schemes properly),
to maintain the freedoms and privacy we currently enjoy.
These are my personal views and not necessarily those of my employer - me.
Ian Buckland
Managing Director
Keep IT Legal Ltd
Tel: 01246 473999
Fax: 01246 470742
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.keepitlegal.co.uk
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