Australian government officials have now passed a new metadata retention scheme that gives law enforcement agencies complete access to user text messages, emails, and metadata. Strangely enough, even though only 40% of the Australian population supported the law it still passed. 44% did not support metadata retention, and 16%–(understandably so) had no idea what it was. What does this mean for Australians who want their data protected?
In basic terms, the Australian government is taking away user privacy to enforce national security. These new measures are largely in response to the increase of Australian jihadists fighting overseas and local attacks as well. But does this idea hold up? How much data is necessary to increase national security? As the voting itself outlined, a majority of people did not support the new metadata law–so that itself should be a good indicator. However, the new metadata law is also dangerous for Australian citizens in more ways than just jeopardizing personal privacy.
One way the new metadata law proves to be dangerous is how the information is handled. Some of the data taken will be stored offshore which might prove to be a “honeypot for hackers,” as mobile phone company Telstra points out. Edward Snowden, a popular advocate and whistleblower for user privacy also seems to think that these new laws won’t prevent terrorist attacks. He claims that they aren’t “public safety programs,” instead that they are “public spying programs.” Snowden, aptly summed up what seems to be a larger issue at hand, asking, “are our collective rights worth a small advantage in our ability to spy?”
While a majority of the metadata will be used to collect metadata for serious crimes including two-year sentences, life-threatening situations, protection of government income–the metadata still cannot be accessed through certain methods that block access via encryption and virtual private networks. Experienced internet users can simply circumnavigate the new metadata through VPN encryption. It will, however, prove most effective at targeting users who aren’t entirely sure what metadata is. It’s a blanket situation that seems extreme, and not entirely effective. Since powerful VPN technology exists, it seems like a small answer and a bigger problem created for users with unprotected information unaware of the technology.
TorGuard VPN is available in 42 different countries, with 1200+ servers. And yes, it’s the best Australian VPN around–with quick speeds and high levels of encryption that ensures you’ll stay safe from metadata collection. Don’t get swept up in un warranted data retention schemes that give the total government power over tons of your information including name, address, billing information, telephone number, IP address, email address, download and upload volumes, location of equipment, type of service used, and access to social media.
With new laws like these popping up, it’s not surprising that more users are utilizing TorGuard VPN. Don’t be the 16% that gets left behind, stay protected and keep your information secure. After all, your security is your own–not the government’s!
