RB2: Interview with Neil Gaughan, Assistant Commissioner, AFP
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 11:39
In this instalment of RB2 we'll be hearing from Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan, who heads up High Tech and Child Protection Operations, for the AFP.
A recent report in the Sydney Morning Herald detailed changes to Australian law that would allow the Australian Federal Police to physically destroy computers if they contain encrypted data the police can't unlock.
The story also talked about further changes to laws that would stiffen penalties for suspects who refuse to hand over encryption keys and passwords.
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 12:24
#2
AFP podcast
Pat,
Love the reference to great movie Office Space!
(I have a TPS report coversheet pinned near my desk at work)
After listening to Neil, Im still uneasy that in time, use of this law will snowball to routine destruction of IT equipment for lots of cases - not just the dreaded CP.
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 13:38
#3
It can't snowball as further
It can't snowball as further expansion of the law requires modification through parliament. We have a labour government in power and even if they wanted to do it, I don't believe the various parties with their interests would allow for the modification of laws which would undermine civil rights of the general population.
It's very easy to make baseless throwaway comments about police or other government agencies "abusing" laws, but if you actually understand the framework they operate within, you'd know that it is rarely possible.
I know that probably sounds to you like "We're from the government, just trust us", but it's actually part of the democratic process. If you're concerned by the potential passing of new laws, contact your local member. Don't whinge about it after it's passed and you did nothing about it.
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 18:57
#4
I think it's worth noting
I think it's worth noting that the scope where this can be applied is very very limited. You have to be convicted of a crime involving child exploitation AND the AFP have to request the dustruction of property suspected as harbouring content involved with child exploitation, and have it approved by a magistrate. To be honest I doubt this will be used more than a handful of cases. AFP seems to have a hard time getting magistrates to view all the evidence of these cases. I don't think we have a problem of police having too much power just yet.
Aha I came all this was to ask if the intro music was from office space and then you go and answer it before I post. Well done.
Also +1 for awesome movie reference. :)
great minds etc. etc.