So broad is the amendment bill’s definition of computer that a warrant could arguably give ASIO access to all computers connected via the internet. Credit: AAP/Dan Peled
Parliament is about to consider a range of changes to Australia's security laws introduced by the Abbott government during its last sitting. The most controversial measures in the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (Cth) include stronger anti-whistleblower provisions and a "special intelligence operations" regime that would grant ASIO officers immunity from civil and criminal liability.
http://phys.org/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=301&campaignid=160&zoneid=64&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fphys.org%2Fnews%2F2014-09-law-users-surrender-privacy.html&cb=f8a0ebd79dLess attention has been paid to proposals to expand ASIO's powers to collect intelligence held on computers and computer networks. Like the government's proposals to require the retention of metadata, these measures suggest the power of intelligence agencies to invade Australians' privacy will dramatically expand.
Flinging open the door to computer access
Section 25A of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (Cth) (ASIO Act) currently allows the attorney-general to issue a computer access warrant when requested by the director-general of security (the head of ASIO). The warrant may be issued if the attorney-general believes on reasonable grounds that access to data "held in a particular computer" would substantially assist the collection of intelligence that is important for security.
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