Encryption and other forms of electronic protection are vital security measures that protect private, commercial and Government data and make the communications and devices of all people more secure. However, these security measures are also being employed by terrorists, child sex offenders and criminal organisations to mask illegal conduct. The exploitation of modern communications technology for illicit ends is a significant obstacle to the lawful access of communications by Australia’s law enforcement and national security agencies.
To address these threats, the Government has developed the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 (1.13MB PDF) (the Assistance and Access Bill) to secure critical assistance from the communications industry and enable law enforcement to effectively investigate serious crimes in the digital era.
We are committed to ensuring this legislation is a reasonable and proportionate response to the problems associated with the increasing use of encrypted communications and invite industry members, interest groups and the public to comment on an exposure draft of the proposed legislation.
The Government welcomes your feedback. Submit any comments to assistancebill.consultation@homeaffairs.gov.au by 10 September 2018.
Encryption conceals the content of communications and data held on devices, as well as the identity of users. Secure, encrypted communications are increasingly being used by terrorist groups and organised criminals to avoid detection and disruption. The problem is widespread, for example:
State and Territory law enforcement are facing significant challenges as well. The following example from Victoria Police demonstrates:
A high risk Registered Sex Offender (RSO) was placed on the register for raping a 16 year old female, served nine years imprisonment and is now monitored by Corrections via two ankle bracelets whilst out on parole. Victoria Police received intel that he was breaching his RSO and parole conditions by contacting a number of females typically between 13 and 17 years of age. Enquiries showed that he was contacting these females and offering them drugs in return for sexual favours. The suspect was arrested and his mobile phone was seized but despite legislative requirements he refused to provide his passcode. Due to an inability to access his phone as well as the fact that he used encrypted communication methods such as Snapchat and Facebook Messenger, Victoria Police was unable to access evidence which would have enabled them to secure a successful prosecution and identify further victims and offences. These are high victim impact crimes that are being hindered by the inability of law enforcement to access encrypted communications.
Obstacles to the lawful access of communications significantly impacts the ability of law enforcement and security agencies to enforce the law, investigate serious crimes and protect the public. The measures in the Assistance and Access Bill will help our agencies overcome these challenges.
Detailed Explanatory Document of the Assistance and Access Bill (1.49MB PDF).
The communications industry is a crucial partner for law enforcement and security authorities. The Assistance and Access Bill establishes a model for Australian agencies to engage with domestic and international communications providers.
The Australian Government remains committed to the security of communications services and devices and the privacy of Australians. These powers cannot be used to introduce so-called ‘backdoors’ or require a provider to disclose communications content or data, see:
Modern communications devices are used by criminals with increasing sophistication to conduct illicit activity online. The Assistance and Access Bill equips law enforcement agencies with the tools to effectively investigate criminal activity in the digital era, see Computer Access Warrants (68.5KB PDF).
The Assistance and Access Bill updates existing search warrant powers to account for the growing complexity of communications devices and the evidential value of data, see:
A wide array of persons can assist ASIO to safeguard Australia’s national security. The Assistance and Access Bill enhances ASIO’s ability to collect intelligence by seeking assistance from the public and others who hold valuable information, see Assistance to ASIO (132KB PDF).