After the « Ardoise » software, here comes the « Edwige » software!

We can feel suspicious about it and we feel we may be drifting away…

On July 1^st 2008 the government published decrees in the “Journal Officiel” about the creation of   a new computer software  called “Edwige” for the Central Management of Public Security of the Home Office , which has lately been assigned to look for, centralise and analyze the data and  inform the representative of the State and the government in institutional , economic and  social matters , as well as violent urban phenomena and any other matter that may concern  law and order.

This new software will put on file any individual aged 13 and over.

-         Any individual (physically or morally) who has been elected to exercise a mandate, who belongs to a trade union or economic group, or who plays a significant institutional, economic, social or religious role.

-         Any individual, group, organisation or legal entity, who because of their individual or collective activities, may breach the peace.

Moreover, the software will allow the police officers to perform administrative investigations in order to determine whether the behaviours of these individuals are compatible with the performing of their functions or missions.

This  computer data bank  along with written archives will allow the  recording of people’s personal and private information such as civil status, work occupation, address, phone number, e-mail address, physical description, photo, behaviour,identity paper, car registration, income tax details, personal assets, movements , criminal recors ,  ethnic or racial background ,  political, philosophical or religious opinions, trade union memberships, sexual practices and heath.

Flag ! is concerned that individuals may be put on file from the age of 13 because they may  breach the peace solely on the basis of  suspicions.

Flag! wnders about the point  of collecting some info (about health  or sexual practices…) which do not make an individual potentially more dangerous.

Flag ! denounces again the creation of name files which may hurt the fundamental liberties of people . This is also incompatible with a constitutional state.

Flag! , which is the only association of gay and lesbian police officers and gendarmes in France hopes it will  be heard and not only listened to, in order to start thinking about the issue in  partnership and a real collaboration with the Home Secretary .This particular issue as well as many ohers  worry all our members and sympathizers.

Flag ! is asking for another audience with Mrs Michèle ALLIOT MARIE , Home Secretary and Minister of Overseas Departments and Territories.

Flag ! demands that the State and the Home Office scrap this software.

The Board Members