Telco sector responds to govt's data retention plan

The industry body representing Australian operators and ISPs is ready and waiting to consult with the government on its proposed data retention law.

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said the industry is looking forward to “consultation and engagement with government regarding its data retention policy.”

During the consultation, the body will seek a more detailed understanding of the proposal and seek to ensure that any legislation balances the interests of industry, the public and government, he said.

“Any reforms in this area should be designed to provide a clear operating environment for industry, protect customer privacy and minimise any impact on customers and business operations, while helping national security agencies better protect the community.”

Left unmentioned is the fact that the telecom industry will be pushing to ensure it does not bear the costs of a mandatory data retention scheme.

Federal cabinet has given in-principle support to a new regime that would force ISPs and operators to retain customer data for up to two years, Attorney-General George Brandis announced last week. The proposed new legislation could be ready by the end of the year.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has subsequently clarified that telecom providers will likely be required to retain IP addresses for user accounts, but not the content of communications or web browsing history.

Last week, the Communications Alliance expressed concerns that some of the government’s proposed reforms to Australia’s Copyright Act could negatively impact consumers and ISPs.

Image courtesy of Joe Hart under CC