Despite pleas from the public to respect civilians’ privacy and despite replies from politicians that they were aware of their responsibility to citizens and would respect with these rights, this post reveals that this is not the outcome.

WA Senator Scott Ludlam (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I guess the only recourse available to the voter for this, (and other) failure(s) of the government to be “for the people”, is to vote independents into power. Both parties are inadequate. The Greens are showing some responsibility regarding this issue but are set on their own path to destroy the economy.

This ‘Refreshing News’ post tells the story. (Acknowledgements to TIP for the tip!)

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.”
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.

Related articles

• Beware, Big Brother is watching you (theage.com.au)
• Amended cybercrime bill passes Senate (news.com.au)
• What if they recorded every click you make? #natsecinquiry #privacy @SenatorLudlam #auspol (tonyserve.wordpress.com)
• Every click you make, they’ll be watching (smh.com.au)