[BITList] More Government spying?

[John Feltham]

Govt considers web browser monitor
Updated: 10:06, Saturday June 12, 2010

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Australian internet service providers may soon be forced to document and save all subscriber's web browsing history.

According to ZDNet, the federal government may consider forcing providers such as Optus and Telstra to keep records of what sites their customers visit online for examining by law enforcers when requested.

The Attorney-General's Department says it is considering the information retention scheme, similar to that passed by the European Union in 2006.

The EU regime requires that the communications providers from certain member states retain data from specified groups for a period of between six and 24 months.

'The Attorney-General's Department has been looking at the European Directive on Data Retention, to consider whether such a regime is appropriate within Australia's law enforcement and security context,' a statement from the Attorney-General's Department to ZDNet Australia said yesterday.

'It has consulted broadly with the telecommunications industry,' the statement said.

Internet privacy has already been in the spotlight over the last few months, with the proposed internet filter causing concerns.

Current rules in Australia state that an interception warrant by law enforcement, usually approved by a judge, is required if a customer's online activity needs to be monitored.