indymedia interview (uk)

Following the London Underground bombings in July 2005 and only a week after Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead, David Mery was arrested under UK terrorism laws. His arrest was based on his physical profile (including wearing a coat in summer and carrying a bulky backpack) and behaviour in the station (looking at his mobile phone screen and retrieving an article from his pocket which he began to read).

To hear an interview - by UK IndyMedia - with David:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/09/324347.html

grey zone

Steve Kurtz, one of the founding members of the Critical Art Ensemble spoke recently at the New Constellations conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. He was arrested in 2004 - after he called police when his wife died suddenly from a heart attack - and investigated for bioterrorism.

More information can be found at:
http://www.boingboing.net/2006/01/15/case_against_steve_k.html
http://www.caedefensefund.org/

In the presentation he discussed a selection of Critical Art ensemble projects and a range of issues including contemporary artist's responsibilities in modern society.

This really highlights the necessity for artists to be aware of the law. It is becoming increasingly obvious that 'the line' (dividing legal and illegal) is no longer an identifiable 'thin black line' but more of a 'grey zone'. The impact of changing legislations (such as the newly instated Australian sedition laws) mean that artists need to be aware of the laws in relation to their arts practice (if their artwork questions social or political issues).

profiling who?

it becomes immediately apparent to me that profiling of this kind only identifies an individual who can "do something" with technology. it doesn't necessarily identify whether someone will use their technologist/telecommunication skills for good or for bad.

see some information on profiling: http://gizmonaut.net/bits/profiling.html