September 16, 2007
Spy laws allow tracking of mobile phone calls and content
Australian security agencies would be able to secretly track people via their mobile phones and monitor their internet browsing for up to three months without obtaining a warrant under new laws due to go before the Senate this week. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
"The powers could be used in a range of even relatively minor criminal investigations, not just terrorism cases.
They would allow ASIO and federal and state police forces to demand that phone companies and internet service providers stream information to them in "near real-time" - just a few minutes after calls are made or websites visited.
Justified as a counter-terrorism measure, the legislation has already been passed by government and Labor members of the lower house. But it remains deeply unpopular with legal experts and privacy advocates."
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