41
ISSUES: Privacy
Glossary
Glossary
Article 8: Right to privacy
Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights states
that `Everyone has the right for his private and family life, his
home and his correspondence.` There are some exceptions to
this rule however, so this means that your right to privacy can
be interfered with as long as it is `in accordance with law` and
`necessary in a democratic society`.
Big Brother
The term comes from a character in George Orwell`s novel
Nineteen Eighty-Four, from which the phrase `Big Brother is
watchingyou`originated.BigBrotherembodiedtotalitarianism;
a regime where the government controls and monitors every
aspect of people`s lives and behaviour.
Biometric data
Biometrics (or biometric authentication) refers to a method of
uniquely identifying people. This includes methods such as
fingerprints, DNA, retinal scans (eyes) and facial recognition;
something that is permanent throughout a person`s lifetime
and doesn`t change as they age. The main uses of biometric
data are for the purpose of controlling access (e.g. some laptops
have fingerprint scanners) or helping tackle and prevent crime.
CCTV
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of mounted video
cameras which broadcast a live image to a television screen
closely watched over by someone (can be recorded). CCTV
is used to observe an area in an effort to reduce and prevent
crime. However, the use of CCTV has triggered a debate about
security versus privacy.
Communication Data Bill
This legislation would mean that Internet service provider (ISP)
and mobile phone services would be able to gather much
more data about what their customers are doing. Currently,
communication monitoring is limited to data such as who
people sendemails toandwho they ring, not the actual content
of the messages themselves, for 12 months. This Bill would
extend it to webmail, voice calls, social media and Internet
gaming. This is why it has been labelled as the `Snooper`s
Charter`. It is estimated to cost approximately £1.8 billion.
Data Protection Act 1988 (DPA)
This act exists to protect personal information about people. It
ensures that personal data is kept secure, accurate and up-to-
date. You can ask to see data about you (the `right of access`),
but not other peoples. Other people cannot ask to see data
about you. The organisation has up to 40 days to reply to your
request. You have the right to knowwhy that data is being held,
where the data has come from and if any automated decisions
are being made about you using this data.
DNA
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic
material contained in the cells of all living things and it
carries the information that allows organisms to function,
repair and reproduce themselves. Every cell of plants, micro-
organisms (such as bacteria), animals and people contain
many thousands of different genes, which are made of DNA.
These genes determine the characteristics, or genetic make-
up, of every living thing, including the food we eat. When
we eat any food, we are eating the genes and breaking
down the DNA present in the food.
DNA database/United Kingdom National DNA
Database
The UK has a national database of DNA profiles which the
police can use to match suspect DNA. Samples are taken
from crime scenes, police suspects and anyone arrested
and detained at a police station (in England and Wales).
The database has helped in solving both past and present
crimes. However, controversial privacy issues about the DNA
database have arisen because samples have been taken
and held onto from people who are innocent and some
people feel that they should be removed/destroyed from
the database. In March 2012 the database is estimated to
contain almost six million individual records.
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
An act that regulates the use of biometric data, the use of
surveillance and many other things. For example, this will
mean schools need toget parents` consent beforeprocessing
child`s biometric information and it also introduces a code
of practice for surveillance camera systems. Essentially, this
is to help protect people from state intrusion in their lives.
Snooper’s Charter (Draft Communications Data
Bill)
Draft legislation that would require Internet service
providers and mobile phone companies to keep records of
their user’s Internet search history, emails, calls and texts.
Surveillance
The close observation and monitoring of behaviour or
activities. To keep watch over a person or group. The UK has
been described as a `surveillance society` because of its large
number of CCTV cameras and the national DNA database;
the UK was once referred to as `the most surveilled country`
in the Western states.
