Overview -- the Dangers of International Co-Operation 09/08/2004
We often assume that policy and laws are the outcome of national deliberation. As we have seen with other domains such as intellectual property and trade, policies that influence privacy and civil liberties are increasingly resulting from international policy dynamics. This section presents a number of these policy mechanisms used to take advantage of international dimensions of our current environment. These mechanisms include policy laundering, modeling, and forum shifting. Using these mechanisms, policies are being developed outside of national deliberative fora and then adopted locally in the interests of national governments.

Background Information

Backgrounder on the Arar Case on Canadian Rendition from the U.S. to Syria 19/04/2006
This mini report outlines the dynamics in the case of Maher Arar, a Canadian citizen who was stopped on a return flight to Canada via the U.S., and then sent to Syria where he was allegedly tortured for almost a year until the Syrians returned him to Canada. This report looks at the the case in detail and notes the lack of due process and protections in the creation of watchlists and the sharing of intelligence across borders.

Background on Policy Laundering 08/04/2005
This primer on policy laundering discusses the dangers of international co-operation in policy-making, and the challenges to the protection of civil liberties.

Background on Biometric Passports 30/03/2004
In an effort to 'secure' passport and visa documentation, biometric passports are being promoted by the UN-level International Civil Aviation Organization. This initiative was led by the U.S., and is leading to national biometric databases, national ID cards, and the international trade in our most personal information, as an infrastructure of surveillance is born.

News and Developments

An Open Letter to the CEO of SWIFT on other covert programmes for access to financial data 12/07/2006
PI writes to the CEO of SWIFT asking if there are other covert programmes run by SWIFT in co-operation with other governments around the world for access to personal financial data held by SWIFT.

European Parliament resolution on SWIFT builds on PI work 07/07/2006
The European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding explanations from EU governments and institutions regarding their complicity in the SWIFT transfers of financial data to the U.S. The resolution refers directly to PI's campaigning on the issue.

EU announces fingerprint specifications for passports 30/06/2006
Despite there being no reason for their introduction, the EU has released specifications for the inclusion of fingerprints in all EU passports.

European Council faces defeat on retention 13/10/2005
After years of internal wrangling amongst ministers from EU member states the Council appears prepared to abandon its data retention proposal in favour of the European Commission's proposed directive.

UK Presidency of the EU encounters opposition to retention plans 09/09/2005
At a meeting of justice ministers and industry, the UK Presidency faced mounting criticism of its proposals.

UK Presidency of the EU speech on civil liberties and terrorism 09/09/2005
Transcript of the speech given by the UK Home Secretary to the European Parliament on the need to reconsider human rights conventions.

UK Presidency 'report' proposes exporting UK surveillance policies 07/09/2005
The UK Presidency of the EU releases a report entitled 'Liberty and Security: Striking the Right Balance', with a photo of the London bombers on the front page, to convince the EU to adopt failed and problematic UK policies on CCTV, biometrics, communications and travel surveillance.

UK Presidency of the EU starts immediately on surveillance package 13/07/2005
The UK is starting its presidency of the EU with a number of surveillance proposals including the monitoring of financial transactions and communications, the sharing of data between member states, and the collection of fingerprints.

Data Retention back on EU Agenda 11/07/2005
Following the terrorist bombings in London, the UK and other European Governments are seeking an agreement at an EU emergency summit on the storage of phone and email traffic data.

G8 Gleneagles 2005 statement on Counter-terrorism 08/07/2005
Amidst disagreements on aid and the environment, the G8 agrees on measures to combat terrorism, including: travel surveillance, increased international cooperation of intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies and policy makers, methods to combat document fraud, amongst others.

French report highly critical of new French ID Card project 18/06/2005
A consultation report from the Forum for civil liberties on the Internet criticizes the proposed ID system. The French system is a replica of the proposed UK ID system.

U.S. moves on biometric passport deadline - but not really 16/06/2005
According to both the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, the deadline for biometric passports has been shifted. This leaves some confusion.

G8 Meeting of Justice Ministers Begins - declaring laundry list 15/06/2005
From June 15 to 17 the ministers of justice and home affairs from the eight countries within the G8 will be meeting in Sheffield. Their list of policies that they wish to launder under claims of 'international obligations' is wide and dangerous, as ever.

European Ministers move forward on data retention 03/06/2005
Justice and Home Affairs Ministers met on June 2nd and concluded a new framework on retention of communications data.

U.S. and EU meet on terrorism, crime, and travel surveillance 26/05/2005
The new U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security makes his first trip to Europe to discuss issues of 'shared' interest, including data-sharing and a security 'envelope'.

EU announces Action Plan on privacy, terrorism and security 10/05/2005
The European Commission has launched today its 5 year Action Plan for Freedom, Justice and Security - with detailed proposals for EU action on terrorism, migration management, visa policies, asylum, privacy and security, the fight against organised crime and criminal justice.