Orgy of media coverage on 'anti-cyber attack' Telecommunications Interception proposal
My phone has been ringing off the hook today, caused by an apparent announcement from the Commonwealth Attorney-General that they intend to extend telecommunications interception powers currently only enjoyed by a select few intelligence, police, and anti-corruption bodies to private sector organisations dealing with 'critical infrastructure' -- which is a much broader list than you might imagine:
The Australian Government defines critical infrastructure as those physical facilities, supply chains, information technologies and communication networks that, if destroyed, degraded or rendered unavailable for an extended period, would significantly impact on the social or economic well-being of the nation or affect Australia's ability to conduct national defence and ensure national security.
I've done a pile of radio interviews this morning and have TV interviews scheduled for this afternoon with Channel 2, 7 and 9 for their nightly news programs. Tune in to see my ugly mug, if you dare!
The old 'we gotta do it otherwise terrorists will kill us' argument is back. Works for everything when their isn't an actual valid reason.
I remember one of those dodgy skit shows on Channel 9 had a funny take on it: A guy would keep telling his girlfriend if they didn't have sex, the terrorists had won. Of course, she complied as we cannot let the terrorists win.