Police could be given the power to read your WhatsApp messages under new laws being considered.
The coalition government has unveiled draft legislation to tackle cyber security by monitoring encrypted messages.
The proposed legislation could give the government greater powers to access information shared via apps like WhatsApp.
The laws would be used to monitor potential criminal activity, the government say.
The Australian Government have unveiled draft legislation that would give law enforcement the opportunity to monitor the encrypted data of criminals and terrorist
Law enforcement agencies wishing to access encrypted messages would have to obtain a warrant to do so.
To be granted the warrant, they must have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence carrying a term of three years or more in prison ‘has been or will be committed’.
The proposed law would require technology firms such as Google, Facebook and Apple to provide authorities with access to the encrypted data.
The Minister for Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Angus Taylor said the legislation would bring Australia in line with new technology.
‘Our legislation for telecommunication intercepts, being able to access data, in order to investigate and prosecute criminal activity, with a warrant, is no longer fit for purpose,’ he told Reuters.
‘Whether it’s paedophiles or terrorists or drug dealers, it makes sure we have legislation fit for purpose in a modern era.’
The technology companies would risk a fine of up to $10 million in the proposed legislation if they fail to deliver information to government agencies.
Mr Taylor said that most companies are willing to cooperate as they don’t want to associate with criminals and child sex offenders.
Technology companies would risk a fine up to $10million in the proposed legislation if they fail to deliver information to government agencies (stock image)
Cybersecurity experts have argued that criminals are becoming increasingly savvy at hiding online while engaging in illicit behaviour.
This could include paedophiles targeting children on hit video game Fortnite or terrorists plotting attacks on WhatsApp.
Technology expert Trevor Long told 9NEWS that criminals could voice or text chat about a game but also talk about what they’re up to, which could be of interest to law enforcement agencies.
‘The obvious problem for law enforcement is unlike just tapping a phone or getting access to people’s emails or letters, they can’t ever get a hold of the message unless they are physically at the device where it was sent or received,’ he said.
The Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 is still in its draft stage. Comments from members of the public are welcome up until September 10 2018.
Cybersecurity experts have argued that criminals are becoming increasingly savvy at hiding online. This includes paedophiles who target children on games like Fortnite (stock image)