Tech alliance unites to condemn new encryption bill

The privacy of all Australians is at risk. Photo: Tech Crunch

Technology giants and human rights groups have formed an alliance to fight the Australian government’s new encryption bill.

Calling themselves the Alliance for a Safe and Secure Internet, the group consists of industry, consumer and human rights groups, who are criticising the government for attempting to pass legislation that threatens the digital security of Australians.

BACKGROUND

In August, we were one of the first outlets to reveal the Australian government has released details of a new telecommunications billgranting agencies new powers to access encrypted communications data, including enhancing obligations of companies to provide assistance and new warrants to covertly obtain evidence directly from devices.

Following discussions last year on ‘combatting terrorism’, a draft was finally released after extensive delay by the Turnbull government in the form of the Assistance and Access Bill 2018, and was quickly introduced…