RSSauIGF to feature panel on proposed mandatory metadata retention laws
.au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA), the convenor of the 2014 Australian Internet Governance Forum, announces the addition of a panel discussion on proposed mandatory metadata retention laws. The panel will be held as part of the first day of the auIGF, on Tuesday 26 August, in Melbourne.
The Australian Government has recently announced that it will mandate the retention of communications metadata for two years in order to assist law enforcement and national security agencies to improve the detection of terrorism offences and reduce the risk of a terrorist attack within Australia.
auDA CEO, Chris Disspain noted that there has been considerable stakeholder discussion and confusion regarding the Australian Government’s proposal.
“There is a lot of fear regarding the effect the proposed laws will have on the privacy rights of Australian citizens, as well as around a lack of clarity regarding intent, cost and risks of implementation” said Mr Disspain.
“In the meantime, the important role such laws could play in bolstering Australia’s cyber-security capabilities has been largely lost in the uproar. The auIGF aims to address these issues by providing an open, balanced and consultative discussion space where Australian stakeholders can become better informed and voice their views”.
The panel will include Dr Suelette Dreyfus, prominent tech journalist and researcher; Jon Lawrence, Executive Officer, Electronic Frontiers Australia; Dr Paul Brooks, Director of ISOC-AU and Graham Phillips from Thomson Geer Lawyers, who led iiNet’s successful defence of litigation by film and television studios.