A recently passed bill could force Australian tech companies to grant access to encrypted communication data.
The Assistance and Access Bill 2018 can compel a private company to create new interception capabilities which will allow the Australian government to access all communication data without restraint.
The security vulnerabilities must also be deployed in secret, without the public’s knowledge.
As a result, any product developed in Australia could be subject to obligations that require modifications that allow Australian government agencies access to the data.
As conditions of security vulnerabilities are to be deployed in secret, this could spark feelings of distrust for Australian products on the global stage.
The Australian government plans to revisit the bill in the new year to evaluate a large number of recommended amendments.