[LINK] Greens dissent on net interception

[Chris Maltby]

On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 11:00:01AM +1100, Chris Maltby wrote:
> Of interest to linkers...

I attached a message/rfc822 attachment - but the Link list mailman
discarded it...


Greens dissent on net interception - Senator Scott Ludlam

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

The Australian Greens are concerned stronger safeguards have not been
put in place in a Commonwealth bid to allow authorities to intercept
internet communications for the purpose of protecting computer networks.

A report tabled in the Senate yesterday supports amending the
Telecommunications Interception Act to enable security agencies like the
AFP to intercept certain traffic in order to protect information and
computer infrastructure from malicious attack.

"We don't share the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee's view
that the Bill should be passed without amendment, and will be arguing
strongly for the government to consider important privacy issues before
giving authorities these increased powers," said Greens Justice
Spokesperson Scott Ludlam.

"I am disappointed that greater efforts haven't been made to achieve a
better balance between the important need to secure electronic data and
computer networks, and peoples' right to privacy.

"We concur with groups like the Privacy Commissioner, Electronic
Frontiers Australia and the Australian Law Reform Commission - all of
whom called for changes to the government's proposal to ensure greater
safeguards.

"These include clarifying definitions of what constitutes "network
protection duties" and "disciplinary actions" and tighten requirements
to destroy copies of intercepted communications.

"It is disappointing that the Attorney General's Department chose to
dismiss such concerns, stating that imposing an obligation to destroy
copies of lawfully intercepted information is unenforceable.

"In fact we see this requirement that intercepted information be
destroyed as soon as it is no longer required, as fundamental to getting
the balance right.

Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302

Fernando de Freitas
Media Advisor
Office of Scott Ludlam & Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senators for Western Australia
Suite S1.36 Parliament House, Canberra ACT
P: 02 6277 3467 | M: 0417 174 302
<Fernando.deFreitas at aph.gov.au>
<http://www.greensmps.org.au/>