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# Database state on the defensive
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/database-state-on-the-defensive/
- Published: 2008-11-21T19:11:12.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:42:18.000Z
- Author: Tom Griffin
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:49

**Tom Griffin (London,** [**OK**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom)**):** No one has kept a closer eye on the rise of the database state than Henry Porter. On his [Guardian blog](http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/henryporter/2008/nov/21/civilliberties-idcards?ref=opendemocracy.net) today he sees signs in stories from [Westminster](http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/big-brother-database-plan-shelved-1028229.html?ref=opendemocracy.net), [Scotland](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7736588.stm?ref=opendemocracy.net), [Northern Ireland](http://www.nihrc.org/index.php?page=specialfocus&from=0&focus%5Fid=8&Itemid=1&ref=opendemocracy.net) and [France](http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/20/europe/EU-France-Security-Database.php?ref=opendemocracy.net) that suggest the tide may just be turning.

*In the United Kingdom the primary struggle against government intrusion centres on the ID card and the plans for a huge government silo to store information on every phone call, email and internet connection. There is good news on both these but the campaign against the theft of our democratic rights will not be won unless public opinion builds against these two schemes.* 
  
*It is in our hands.*