Data retention needs oversight: Inquiry

A parliamentary inquiry has recommended that any data retention laws should include provisions to protect privacy and provide oversight.

The inquiry by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security examined proposals for changes to telecommunications interception, telecommunications sector security and Australian intelligence community legislation.

These included a proposal for a data retention regime in Australia, provoking a backlash from civil libertarians, the public and the Greens.

The committee recommended that any data retention legal framework cover only metadata and exclude the content of electronic communications, such as emails and text messages. Where content cannot be separated from metadata, a warrant should be requested.

SOURCE: computerworld.com.au