Privacy is a great necessity for individuals in every given society. But when this right is deprived, we can all agree that trust is diminished amongst individuals. One of the best and ideal ways of ensuring confidentiality is encrypting data. This is what keeps us safe. Developers in tech companies spend a great deal of time assuring their customers of privacy with their products. When this is violated, we have governments suing tech companies for it.
Australian security agents have drafted laws that entirely go against this. Recently, the Turnbull government instituted laws allowing access to encrypted data. This move targets many tech corporations like Google and Facebook. The government has declined to give details on how the data will be accessible to security agents. Australian cyber security minister, Angus Taylor, confirmed this report on ABC radio on Wednesday.
Taylor emphasized the legislation bill seeks to modernize the existing laws allowing security agencies access to encrypted information. The explanation behind the new law is based on counter-terrorism within the security department. Security agencies intend to access the information to gather evidence while investigating criminals and terrorists. Taylor says the changes in technology have nullified the analogue laws instituted before. Much data is transmitted through messaging applications that are digital, thus update is essential.
Previously, the Turnbull government had established a backdoor approach to accessing data. Security agencies blamed tech companies’ unwillingness to consent to government meddling. The backdoor method was rejected following claims that it would cause substantial damage and exploitation. Consequently, Taylor hopes that tech companies will comply with the legislation to circumvent the roadblocks.
For decades, the law enforcement agencies have been relying on the creation of keys to penetrate into the encrypted data. The legislation might mean the intimidation of tech corporations to install close watch codes in devices. This way, security agencies would have direct access to information before its encryption. Conversely, Taylor evaded these questions on Wednesday during the ABC talks. Angus responded by saying that it is not within his jurisdiction to dispatch information on how law enforcement agencies access data.
University of Canberra’s Centre for Internet Safety official Nigel Phair voiced his concern on the legislation. For the security agencies to use the key, chances are they would bring into play the accessibility of data before encryption. This technique is referred to as the front door. The legislation should be applicable in investigating severe national safety measures. Most tech companies will have to be forced to concede, but Apple has been recorded allowing Australian authorities access.
