Read Crikey's piece on the government's latest attempt to strip citizen's of their rights. It's a good summary. Then, read the 60 page recommendation, if you can be bothered.
The government's plans to implement something like Europe's data retention directive have resurfaced. Along with this, ASIO wants to be able to monitor everything, including social networking, hack computers and gather intelligence on Australians with no oversight (because it's too much effort and red-tape). Undercover agents would also be able to commit serious crimes in order to maintain their cover. There's no real mention of protection for citizens. The whole thing is about making law enforcement easier. I don't think it's the citizenry's job to make law enforcement easier.
Of course people in power are always going to try to get more power like this, but it would be nice if once in a while, the government didn't so blatantly encourage it.
While I love fast broadband, one of my main concerns with the NBN has always been the centralisation of most internet connections to run through one, government-controlled company's assets. It makes it way too easy to monitor everyone the way the U.S. government has been doing with their (not so) secret rooms at AT&T facilities.
I'm worried...
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