http://www.zdnet.com.au/privacy-betraya ... 303844.htm
Last week, I wondered whether Stephen Conroy's rapid conversion into a caricature of a minister reflected systemic problems within Labor. You wouldn't think Stephen Conroy would actually be trying to come up with a policy that is worse than both the internet filter and Google's own infractions, which Conroy recently labelled as "the largest privacy breach in the history [sic] across Western democracies". But he has: Conroy's once-haughty assumption of the moral, egalitarian high ground has descended into a poo-flinging match with Google; ill-informed but stubborn defence of a ridiculous filter policy; and, now, an over-intrusive log of your online activities that would have made Joseph McCarthy blush.
Now, I recognise that the credit for our soon-to-be-world's-worst-practice policy has been taken by the Attorney-General's (AG) Department, so Conroy may not be able to claim full credit. But the proposal is squarely telecommunications-related, so there's no way it could be floated, considered or executed without Conroy's direct involvement and authority.
Privacy commissioner quiet on data retention
http://www.zdnet.com.au/privacy-commiss ... 303860.htm
"My office was consulted by the Attorney-General's Department on this proposal last year as part of initial consultations including with industry," said Curtis. "At this stage, we understand the government is still considering the matter and we look forward to providing further comment as the proposal is developed."
