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

[Richard Chirgwin]

This might seem like a quibble, but the bill does not authorise "the 
authorities" to collect the data.

They are allowed to require carriers to collect the data - for either 
one day, or 30 days - and may access it if a warrant is granted. If 
there's no warrant, the data has to be dumped.

(It's just that I like the debate to include the facts, not that I 
support the legislation)

RC

On 23/08/12 7:04 AM, Kim Holburn wrote:
> 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.
>>
>> 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.
>>
>> The laws will also allow Australia to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on Cyber-crime, which has 34 members.
>>
>> ''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.
>>
>> ''The European treaty doesn't require ongoing collection and retention of communications, but the Australian bill does,'' Senator Ludlam said.
>>
>> ''It also leaves the door open for Australia to assist in prosecutions which could lead to the death penalty overseas.''
>>
>> The legislation will allow the Australian Federal Police to collaborate with international authorities in seeking Australian communications data under warrants.
>