Our mobile phone’s location data could be a valuable tool to help track and trace the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. The government has the legal power to do it, given what’s at stake.
Interviews from a range of sensitive research topics may be at risk. These include immigration, crime and corruption.
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Under controversial national security laws, parts of your mobile phone data is accessible by federal police and counterterrorism agencies. But in reality dozens of other organisations can access it too.
Ideally, Australia would introduce constitutional protections for media freedom. But, in the meantime, four laws need urgent reform to better balance those freedoms with national security.
Although WhatsApp is described as en encrypted messaging service, it’s not as secure as you might think.
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Facebook seems to be shifting its focus more towards privacy. But this might have some unexpected repercussions, as highlighted by recent research on the encrypted messaging service WhatsApp.
We need a cyber safety equivalent to the Slip! Slop! Slap! campaign to nudge behavioural change in the community.
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If the next government is serious about protecting Australian businesses and families, here are seven concrete actions it should take immediately upon taking office.
New legislation allows Australian government agencies to access encrypted WhatsApp messages.
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The government can access your phone metadata, drivers licence photo and much more. And new research shows Australians are OK about it. But that might change.
Despite its enormous cost, the metadata retention scheme wasn’t future-proof.
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It is hard to know whether metadata retention has been effective or necessary. We can only hope that the debate over accessing and analysing encrypted services is a little more enlightening.
Evidence isn’t always as straightforward as it might first seem.
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Sunanda Creagh, The Conversation and Madeleine De Gabriele, The Conversation
Brain-zapping, the curious case of the n-rays and other stories of evidence.
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You've had an x-ray before but have you had an n-ray? Of course not, because they're not real. But people used to think they were. Today, on Trust Me, I'm an Expert, we're bringing you stories on the theme of evidence.
Not all the data captured by Telstra on how you use its technology is considered ‘personal information’.
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The backlash against the Census suggests the Australian Bureau of Statistics didn’t do enough to convince Australians it needed to collect their private information or that it’d be kept safe.
Most Australians are unlikely to be able to describe the doctrine of the separation of powers, but they’re quick to assert their liberties under the rubric of a ‘fair go’.
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The government’s uncontested assessment of national interest and security often trumps the rule of domestic and international law, as well as Australia’s obligations under human rights treaties.
The internet is complex, but the metadata laws may be even more so.
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ISPs were supposed to start collecting our metadata today, but most are not ready due to the complexities of the legislation. Perhaps it’s not too early for a review.
The NSA has eyes and ears around the globe.
Mike Herbst
US intelligence agencies can no longer collect and store the telecommunications data of US citizens but other countries are strengthening their efforts.
A responsible media is cautious about what leaked information it will publish.
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As governments gain greater access to private information there is a need to protect our freedoms. Artists can make a distinct contribution to this debate by offering alternative perspectives.
Mountains of data are being collected on you, and much of it is beyond your grasp.
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The Abbott government’s efforts to amend its data retention bill amid concerns about journalists protecting their sources is still a worry. And others should be concerned too, including MP.
Is mass data retention the way to go or should authorities be forced to come back with a warrant to find what they want?
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As the Australian government pushes on with its data retention bill there are still questions about what safeguards and protections are in place, and a look at similar moves that have failed overseas.