No subject

Are we watching the slow-motion collapse of American citizenship?

SECURITY / PRIVACY

FBI is Bugging Public Libraries.
<http://www.ctnow.com/features/lifestyle/hc-privacy1103.artnov03col.story>
Some reports say the FBI is snooping in the libraries. Is that really 
happening?

FBI Not Bugging Libraries - Claim Made In Sunday Courant Was Wrong.
<http://www.ctnow.com/features/lifestyle/hc-privacy-correx.story>
FBI searched library computer but didn't install monitoring program.

Big Brother at the library.
<http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20021111/1041376.asp>
"I particularly feel strongly about this,' Lampkin said. 'I could never 
betray people who rely on me in such a manner. I'm not naive about the 
consequences of taking a stand, but I think the dangers of not taking a 
stand outweigh what may or may not happen to me."

Carnivore Diagnostic Tool.
<http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/carnivore/carnivore.htm>
The Carnivore device works much like commercial  'sniffers'  and other 
network 
diagnostic tools used by ISPs every day, except that it provides the FBI 
with a unique ability to distinguish between communications which may be 
lawfully intercepted and those which may not.

Off-the-shelf Biometrics.
<http://heise.de/ct/english/02/11/114/>
Eleven biometrics products tested.

Court Denies AOL's Attempt to Protect User Identity.
<http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/02/11/05/021105hnaolcase.xml>
The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled against America Online (AOL) in its 
latest effort to protect the anonymity of one of its subscribers, in a case 
that could shape how free speech is perceived online.

Guidelines for Law Enforcement Inquiries.
<http://cal-webs.org/GuidlinesforLawEnforcementInquiries.pdf>
Since 9/11/01, the legal right to privacy has changed. How should your 
library respond to law enforcement agencies in this new climate? Use these 
guidelines as a framework for developing your own policies and procedures.

Pentagon Plans a Computer System That Would Peek at Personal Data of 
Americans.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/09/politics/09COMP.html?ex=1038025396&ei=1&
en=598bab70e98a0a3c>
The Pentagon is constructing a computer system that could create a vast 
electronic dragnet, searching for personal information as part of the hunt 
for terrorists.

How private is your library?
<http://www.wisinfo.com/thereporter/news/archive/local_6269070.shtml>
The passage and subsequent effects of the USA Patriot Act may seem far 
removed from Fond du Lac County, but librarians are concerned that its 
impact may be potentially intrusive in individual communities.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Bush Restricts Access to Records.
<http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/historicalworks.html>
An executive order issued by President George W. Bush on November 1, 2001 
restricts access to the records of former presidents. The ALA and FTRF urge 
librarians to alert their patrons and the public about this effort to close 
the public record.

Secrecy News.
Volume 2002, Issue No. 112
11 November 2002
<http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/secrecy/2002/11/index.html>
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CIA YEMEN STRIKE
DARPA'S TOTAL INFORMATION AWARENESS
THE MYTH OF CYBERTERRORISM
CIA REJECTS "CENSORSHIP" CHARGE

MEDIA & INFORMATION

Conspiracies, Plots and Other Anti-democratic Notions.
<http://discserver.com/discussion.cgi?id=149495;article=34448>
Conspiracy theories abound in America and are directly related to the lack 
of investigative reporting by the mainstream corporate media.

INTERNATIONAL POLICY

International Freedom of Expression eXchange Clearing House.
COMMUNIQUE # 11-43, 5 November 2002
<http://communique.ifex.org/index2.cfm>
1. IAPA Assembly Highlights Impunity and Press-Freedom Attacks in the 
Americas
2. Namibia: Shades of Mugabe as Journalists Fear Loss of Media Freedoms
3. Chile: Film Censorship Abolished / WPFC Urges Elimination of "Desacato" 
Laws
4. United States: Congress Tables Internet Freedom Bill
5. Central Asia: CASCFEN to Hold First Conference in March 2003
6. Liberia: Imprisoned Journalist May be Released
7. IPI to Mark First Ten Years in Vienna
8. AMARC Postpones World Conference
9. UNESCO to Host Symposium on Internet Free Expression

CDT Policy Post.
Volume 8, Number 24, 7 November 2002
<http://www.cdt.org/publications/pp_8.24.shtml>
CONTENTS:
(1) Domain Names Body Approves Restructuring Package in Shanghai
(2) Further Refinement of ICANN's Mission and Powers Necessary
(3) Significant Details Still Need Resolution
(4) Governments Eye Expanded Role at ICANN

GENERAL

EPIC Alert.
Volume 9.22, 6 November 2002
<http://www.epic.org/alert/EPIC_Alert_9.22.html>
[1] EPIC Advises Against P2P Monitoring in Colleges and Universities
[2] AOL Wants to Help Companies Conduct Workplace Surveillance
[3] Food and Drug Administration OKs Implantable ID Chips
[4] GAO Releases Report on Government Use of Personal Information
[5] CFP2003: Call for Proposals - November 15, 2002
[6] EPIC Bill-Track: New Bills in Congress

ACLU Online.
<http://www.aclu.org/>
The latest news from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Complied by Dylan Thomarie

Comments to:
Terrence Maxwell
Assistant Professor
School of Information Science and Policy
University at Albany
113D Draper, Albany, NY 12222
e-mail: tamaxwell at albany.edu