[LINK] Authorities gain power to collect Australians' internet records

[Kim Holburn]

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/authorities-gain-power-to-collect-australians--internet-records-20120822-24m03.html

> Laws passed today will allow authorities to collect and keep Australians' internet records, including their web-browsing history, social media activity and emails.
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> Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said the laws would help police track cyber-criminals around the globe, and would give authorities the power to find people engaged in forgery, fraud, child pornography, and infringement of copyright and intellectual property.
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> The laws will also allow Australia to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on Cyber-crime, which has 34 members.
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> ''Cyber-crime is a growing threat that touches all aspects of modern life,'' Ms Roxon said.  ''It poses complex policy and law enforcement challenges, partly due to the transnational nature of the internet.''
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> But Greens communications spokesman Scott Ludlam said the laws went further, and the government had failed to explain why the far-reaching powers were necessary.
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> ''The European treaty doesn't require ongoing collection and retention of communications, but the Australian bill does,'' Senator Ludlam said.
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> ''It also leaves the door open for Australia to assist in prosecutions which could lead to the death penalty overseas.''
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> The legislation will allow the Australian Federal Police to collaborate with international authorities in seeking Australian communications data under warrants.


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Kim Holburn
IT Network & Security Consultant
T: +61 2 61402408  M: +61 404072753
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