[A2k] Statewatch, "The Shape of Things to Come" - the EU Future Group

[Soenke Zehle]

Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:49:45 +0100

From: =09statewatch <statewatch-off@geo2.poptel.org.uk>

New Statewatch Report: Embargoed until 00:01, Thursday 11 September 2008

/The Shape of Things to Come /by Tony Bunyan
http://www.statewatch.org/analyses/the-shape-of-things-to-come.pdf

The EU is currently developing a new five year strategy for justice and
home affairs and security policy for 2009-2014. The proposals set out by
the shadowy "Future Group" set up by the Council of the European Union
include a range of highly controversial measures including new
technologies of surveillance, enhanced cooperation with the United
States and harnessing the "digital tsunami". In the words of the EU
Council presidency:

"/Every object the individual uses, every transaction they make and
almost everywhere they go will create a detailed digital record. This
will generate a wealth of information for public security organisations,
and create huge opportunities for more effective and productive public
security efforts."
/
Seven years on from 11 September 2001 and the launch of the "war on
terorism" this major new report /The Shape of Things to come/ (60 pages)
examines the proposals of the Future Group and their effect on civil
liberties. It shows how European governments and EU policy-makers are
pursuing unfettered powers to access and  gather masses of personal data
on the everyday life of everyone =E2=80=93 on the grounds that we can all b=
e
safe and secure from perceived =E2=80=9Cthreats=E2=80=9D.

The /Statewatch/ report calls for a =E2=80=9Cmeaningful and wide-ranging de=
bate=E2=80=9D
before it is =E2=80=9Ctoo late=E2=80=9D for privacy and civil liberties.

Press release:
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2008/sep/the-shape-of-things-to-come-prel.pd=
f
Eight page Conclusions:
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2008/sep/the-shape-of-things-to-come-conclus=
ions.pdf
Copy of full report (pdf):
http://www.statewatch.org/analyses/the-shape-of-things-to-come.pdf

For further information:
00 44 208 802 1882
e-mail: office@statewatch.org