When it comes to the choice between free WiFi or using your own mobile data, chances are you’re going for the free thing. Why bother shelling out money to access the internet when the nearest McDonalds or Starbucks is giving it you for free (if you order something).
Well folks, it’s probably time to ditch that “free WiFi forever” mentality because you could be targeted for police surveillance under new encryption legislation.
The Guardian Australia reports that a briefing from the home affairs department reveal the police have the power, under the Telecommunications Access and Assistance Act that was passed in parliament last December, to compel a wide range of companies to pony up information on its users.
Specifically, the briefing states that law enforcement agencies can compel “designated communications providers” to cooperate though the definition of what falls under that umbrella is incredibly broad.
Social media platforms like Facebook, search engines like Google, device manufacturers like Apple, telcos, retailers, and places that offer free WiFi like McDonalds and Starbucks can all be asked to dish out info on their customers if the police decided to ask.
As for what authorities can lawfully do, well the list is pretty terrifying. The briefing states a number of examples, such as automating the creation of fake accounts on a social media platform, mobile carriers increasing data allowance on devices so surveillance doesn’t use up users’ data, forcing a device to send unencrypted messages by blocking internet messages, and installing a surveillance device on a customer’s computer rack by strong-arming data centres into providing access.
So in short, they could be catching you from everywhere and you can’t escape.
For big companies, the briefing says not to worry as notices are aimed at the “entity as a whole” rather than individuals so there’s no need to stress over an employee being forced to spill all the juicy tea on their employers. Woo.
Having said all that terrifying stuff, don’t expect any changes to be made to this invasive Act in the near future though as the re-election of the Morrison government means that we’re going to be stuck with it for some time, though Labor do plan on doing something about fixing it.
With Australia’s privacy laws inching towards something out of a George Orwell novel, options like going off the grid are becoming increasingly attractive. I also hear that you don’t need a visa to move to New Zealand permanently. Just saying.