The Australian Government have introduced a draft Bill [The Assistance and Access Bill 2018] designed to compel device manufacturers and service providers to assist law enforcement in accessing encrypted information. Although apparently developed to allow government agencies access to criminals’ encrypted communications, the Bill also grants broad, sweeping powers to government agencies that will harm the security and stability of our communications and the internet at large.
Our lives are better when we all treat each other with respect and compassion. That’s why it’s so important the values that everyone holds dear – like fairness and equality – are properly protected.
Digital Rights Watch today expressed deep concerns at reports that the Coalition Joint Party Room has approved the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 to be introduced to Parliament.
Australia’s foremost privacy experts have called for draft legislation that would grant law enforcement the power to effectively break encryption and damage key technological infrastructure, to be withdrawn.
Since our founding in 2016, Digital Rights Watch has stood up for the digital rights of all Australians. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from philanthropic, corporate and other major donors, and welcome new partnerships that will enable us to continue to advocate for these rights.
The Government’s failure to approve a visa in time for human rights defender Chelsea Manning to enter Australia for a series of speaking events has been strongly condemned by a coalition of human rights organisations.