[LINK] US Campaign for Reader Privacy

[jeff.evans at iird.vic.gov.au]

>From the US comes an online Campaign for Reader Privacy <
http://www.readerprivacy.com/> is a "nationwide effort to obtain one
million signatures in support of legislation to amend Section 215 of the
USA PATRIOT  Act. The groups hope to persuade Congress to restore
safeguards for the privacy of bookstore and library records that were
eliminated by the Act."

The campaign, sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the
American Library Association, and PEN American Center, will gather
signatures in libraries, bookstores, and on the site.
   "The Government now has the power to obtain secret court orders to learn
   what you read in libraries, and buy in bookstores."

Given our lack of a Bill of Rights and guaranatees of free speech, could we
see similar erosion of privacy? The latest pronouncements by our chief
legal officer may be of concern. to us ...

     Ruddock weighs use of phone taps in security trials
<http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/26/1077676900181.html>
     Quote:
     "We will be bringing forward legislation in due course to deal with
     the way in which information that is a security concern might be
     handled ..."

Regards

Jeff Evans
Manager, Business Channel
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Victoria, Australia
Ph 03 9651 9590 Fax 03 9651 9725
Email jeff.evans at iird.vic.gov.au
http://www.business.channel.vic.gov.au
http://www.businessaccess.vic.gov.au
http://www.export.vic.gov.au
http://www.ecommerce.vic.gov.au



 _____________________________________________________________
 
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Government of Victoria, Victoria, Australia. 

This e-mail and any attachments may contain privileged and
confidential information.

If you are not the intended recipient, you may not 
distribute or reproduce this e-mail or the attachments.

If you have received this message in error please notify us
by return e-mail.
______________________________________________________________