Democrats deeply concerned by proposed requirement to record all internet activity
The Australian Democrats have expressed deep concern following reports that the Attorney General’s department is considering enquiring all internet service providers (ISPs) to keep a record of everything their customers do online, including potentially every website visited and every email sent.
The proposal, defended as part of a number of changes required under the European Convention on Cybercrime, would require SPs to keep records of all online activity of all of their customers for two years, allowing law enforcement officers to access hose records without the warrant that is currently required before online activity is recorded at all.
National President Julia Melland said the proposal raised very significant concerns about the Rudd Government’s respect for the freedom of Australians.
“It is right and proper for a warrant to be required before law enforcement agencies can gain access to Australian’s private activities".
“We could not support any proposal, however well intentioned, that would require Australians’
Technology Policy Coordinator Geordie Guy said the proposal continues the Rudd Government’s attacks on privacy and freedom online.
“Our democratic freedom to use the internet as we see fit is already threatened by the proposed filter – the data retention regime would obliterate it."
“The Government needs to drop their baseless attacks on the digital economy and work with the community to figure out ways to empower law enforcement of illegal activity online without violating freedom and privacy of the millions of Australians who use he internet legally and legitimately every day,” Mr Guy said.
Further comment: Geordie Guy 0415797142
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