Big Brother 2004
Each year, the national members and affiliated organizations of Privacy International present the “Big Brother” awards to the government and private sector organisations which have done the most to threaten personal privacy in their countries. Since 1998, over forty ceremonies have been held in sixteen countries and have given out hundreds of awards to some of the most powerful government agencies, individuals and corporations in those countries.
“Big Brother” awards are presented to the government agencies, companies and initiatives which have done most to invade personal privacy. A “lifetime menace” award is also presented.
Awards are also given to individuals and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the protection of privacy.
And the winners are…
Worst Public Servant: The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Minister of State for Children
Margaret Hodge has received numerous nominations because of her patronage of the controversial tracking provisions in the Children Bill and for her determination to develop a wide spectrum of intrusive databases and information systems. Her success in reaching the shortlist reflects the judges concern stemming from their decision in 2002 to give the Department for Education & Skills the “Most Heinous Government Organisation” award for its invasive activities.
Most Invasive Company: British Gas
For its unfounded and cowardly claim that the Data Protection Act was the reason why an elderly couple died after British Gas had disconnected their gas supply. The hypothermia and absence of any duty of care apparently were secondary factors.
Most Appalling Project: The NHS National Programme for IT
The NHS won a “Most Heinous Government Organisation” award in 2000 because of its plans to computerise all patient records in a way that is both insecure and dangerous to patient privacy. Its nomination again this year reflects the gravity of concerns over these continuing plans.
Most Heinous Government Organisation: The Office of National Statistics
For its development of the “Citizen Information Project” that will collate and share unprecedented amounts of data on the entire population.
Lifetime Menace: The US VISIT Programme
Privacy International has taken the unusual step of shortlisting a US initiative for the UK awards because of the almost total silence in the US over this programme. US VISIT will fingerprint all visitors to the US from September of this year. The scheme is offensive and invasive, and has been undertaken with little or no debate or scrutiny. Nor has the requirement taken any account of the “special relationship” between the UK and the US. The UK government has been silent about the programme and has capitulated every step of the way.
Thursday 29 Jul 2004 | Paul | The Pit
