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Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

abc.net.au

61–70 of 415 posts

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#62

This is another thing that adds to my deep sense of shame to live in this country (sadly, that list is long and growing). This bill does nothing to prevent the kinds of things it is intended to prevent. The apps this law targets were engineered specifically to prevent this kind of interference. The idea that passing legislation will suddenly change that, magically allowing decryption of messages is beyond idiotic. Th…

> This is another thing that adds to my deep sense of shame to live in this country (sadly, that list is long and growing). I don't support this legislation, but I have to ask, which country is doing a better job on human rights issues than Australia in your opinion? Surely not China or nearly any country in Asia, Africa, or South America? Surely not the US? Probably not much of Europe?

Actually I think several latin american and european country do a better job on human rights issues. Some african countries as well.

See for instance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Index_of_Moral_Freedom#W...

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#63
post #43

Some of the comments so far seem to suggest that this bill would require software to include backdoors. However, it looks like [the bill's PDF]( https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bi... ) includes: > Division 7—Limitations > 317ZG Designated communications provider must not be required to implement or build a systemic weakness or systemic vulnerability etc. > (1) A technical assistance notice o…

However, the bill also requires access be provided, where access is:

> access, when used in relation to material, includes:

> (a) access that is subject to a pre-condition (for example, the use of a password); and

> (b) access by way of push technology; and

> (c) access by way of a standing request

So whilst you may not build a systemic weakness, you may be required to provide a variant of your software to a specific user. Or provide the government with a "pre-condition" such as a golden key.

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#64
post #44

I live in Australia and this is the dumbest bill I have ever seen in parliament. Australian politicians have no clue what the fuck they have just done. Rushed through in less than four days so they can go on holidays. Bigots.

To quote our last PM (well, this week anyway): "The laws of Australia prevail in Australia, I can assure you of that. The laws of mathematics are very commendable, but the only law that applies in Australia is the law of Australia."

Oh god. I left Oz in 2008 when Turnbull was a small-l-liberal, pro-business, pro-tech guy. From what I hear from home he became another deliberately ignorant Aussie conservative.

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#65

Is there a (non-alarmist/non-defensive/non-partisan) summary available of what the bill actually contains and what its practical effects might be?

I do not have one. I'd also love one apart from the aph one below. (It's good btw)

What I believe, is that this bill is heavily influenced by the emerging UK law, by experiences failing decrypt on devices, a pervasive sense of panic and an election year.

Australian police and security have form here asking big when they know the outgoing government is their last chance that gets big wins. Australia card (digital ID) died in labor (party) days. Censorship died in Conroy's day (labor)

Anti corruption body changes which would actually help material cases in official corruption are being opposed and we're fed "think of the children" KP arguments which are "when did you stop beating your wife" dog whistle politics.

Is there a real problem with decrypts on bad people electronic comms? Sure. Will this law stop that? Nope.

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m seriously considering moving from Australia to a country that isn’t part of the Five Eyes.

I'm thinking about moving to NZ. How are they?

One of 5 eyes (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States)!

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#68

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m seriously considering moving from Australia to a country that isn’t part of the Five Eyes.

I'm thinking about moving to NZ. How are they?

They are in Five Eyes, were instrumental in Echelon, illegally raided Dotcom... NZ is a beautiful country, but one of the weakest-willed in international terms. (Also, by all reports, internet connectivity sucks big time).

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#69

I am an Australian software developer and am currently getting https://www.lifepim.com ready for release which, funnily enough has the main selling point as "Your data is private, secure and free from adverts" - what a joke. The scary part is not knowing how the law is going to be implemented - I am hopeful that smart people work on the implementation of it in terms of practicality. If it is an on request thing "give…

Looks like a cool product. Realistically could we just setup all code to be hosted overseas and then pay a set of reviewers in Europe to check PR's for possible backdoors? Don't think the law let's them compell you to build the backdoor in a super secret and hidden way...

The way it’s written that could be 5 years in gaol because you let people know about it.

Re: Australian parliament passes encryption laws unamended

#70

To anyone with a business from anywhere else in the world. Yes please do, publicly and loudly, cease to deal with us (Australia) due to the very real possibility that all of you private and commercially sensitive communications will be monitored and recorded (Also given the five eyes agreement shared with other countries.) Australia already have a history of using their spy services for commercial gain. https://en.m.…

God this is so true. I am so ashamed of our so-called representatives. Please, Apple, do what you know is right and disable all iPhones in Australia. Google, please do the same with Android. If you have a website, geoblock Australia from it. Quarantine us from the world. We are sick and will infect you all.

No, don't geoblock us. Just refuse to do actual business in Australia. Only allow us to download apps from the U.S. where such broken legislation is not in effect.
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