Targeted "preservation notices" issued under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act together with stored communications warrants offer an alternative to the mass surveillance dragnet implied by a mandatory data retention scheme, according to Internet service provider iiNet.
Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson has warned that implementing mandatory data retention laws may deleterious effect on free speech in Australia.
The federal government has backed down from data retention proposals following a parliamentary report examining telecommunications interception in Australia.
A parliamentary inquiry has recommended that any data retention laws should include provisions to protect privacy and provide oversight.
Greens senator Scott Ludlam believes the US National Security Agency (NSA) has handed information it has collected from its PRISM system to the Australian government.
Scott Ludlam is the voice of the Australian Greens on ICT issues and has earned a reputation for not holding back when it comes to protecting civil liberties in the digital age.
A US security expert has applauded the Australian federal government’s approach to improving cyber security but suggested that businesses may need a financial carrot to bring their systems in line.
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the man who invented the world wide web, has issued a warning that Australia’s proposed data retention laws are a “really, really bad idea”.
The Attorney-General’s Department has told a parliamentary inquiry it has not yet assessed the potential costs of implementing proposals around data retention, despite several estimates from industry it could cost hundreds of millions.
David Irvine, director-general at ASIO, has said it is insulting to think ASIO staff would abuse powers given to it around data retention.
Greens senator, Scott Ludlam, will propose a Senate inquiry’s report into data retention and online privacy be delayed when Parliament next sits.