Fed: ASIO hacking not in conflict with privacy bill: Williams

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2000
Fed: ASIO hacking not in conflict with privacy bill: Williams

CANBERRA, April 16 AAP - Legal computer hacking by spy agency ASIO did not conflict
with new privacy legislation introduced into parliament last week, federal Attorney-General
Daryl Williams said today.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation had this year been able to seek authorisation
from the attorney-general to hack into personal computers of people believed to be a security
risk.

Under the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill introduced by Mr Williams, businesses
would have to protect personal information from customers and others, just as the Commonwealth
already did.

"The two are quite different. Under the ASIO legislation, there are very strict requirements
limiting the circumstances under which ASIO can engage in intrusive behaviour, including
computer hacking," Mr Williams told the Seven Network.

"It has to be where there is a risk or a reasonable belief that there is likely to
be politically motivated violence or a threat to national security."

Mr Williams denied ASIO could use its hacking powers just because it did not like the
look of someone at a protest rally or did not like a person's tattoo.

"In those circumstances it just would not be permitted," he said.

He said ASIO was subject to inspection by the inspector-general of intelligence and
security who could vet everything ASIO did and who reported to parliament.

Mr Williams would not comment on whether he had authorised any ASIO computer hacking.

Under the privacy bill, he said, people would know that information they provided would
be used only for the purpose for which it was provided.

"They know that they can access it and correct it, and they know it won't be disclosed
to someone else unless it was given for that purpose," Mr Williams said.

AAP fh/lw/de

KEYWORD: PRIVACY WILLIAMS

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