SURVEILLANCE STATE: AUSTRALIAN POLICE GIVEN SWEEPING NEW HACKING POWERS

Last updated: June 20, 2025, 01:33 | Written by: Elizabeth Stark

Australia is facing growing concerns about a potential shift towards a surveillance state as the Senate recently passed legislation granting the Australian Federal Police (AFP) significantly expanded hacking capabilities.This controversial move has ignited a heated debate, with critics warning of a dangerous overreach and potential for abuse of power. The Australian government, with Labor s support, is giving the police unprecedented powers to spy on the online activity of criminals. Police in Australia can now hack citizens devices and interrupt their data. Read to know all about the Australian surveillance Bill. The Australian FederalThe new laws, contained within the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2025, empower the AFP and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to access and manipulate the online data of suspected criminals in unprecedented ways.This includes the ability to hack devices, seize control of online accounts, and even modify or delete data. 'Surveillance state': Australian police given sweeping new hacking powers Sweeping legislation allowing officials from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to target suspected criminals online has passed throughWhile proponents argue that these powers are necessary to combat serious cybercrime and other illicit activities that are difficult to detect through traditional methods, civil liberties advocates and digital rights groups are raising alarm bells about the potential for these powers to be used against ordinary citizens and the erosion of privacy rights. Legislation dramatically expanding the hacking capabilities of Australian authorities investigating suspected cybercriminals has been passed through the country s Senate.The push for these expanded powers was spearheaded by the nation's top law enforcement officials, who argued that they needed new tools to address serious crimes that are currently ""invisible.""

But where does the line between national security and personal privacy lie?Are these new powers a necessary evil to combat increasingly sophisticated cybercrime, or are they a step too far down a slippery slope towards a society where every digital move is monitored and scrutinized? Sweeping legislation allowing officials from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to target suspected criminals online hasThis article delves into the details of the new legislation, examines the potential implications for Australian citizens, and explores the arguments for and against these sweeping new surveillance capabilities.

Understanding the New Hacking Powers Granted to Australian Police

The core of the controversy lies in the breadth and depth of the powers now granted to the AFP and ACIC. Repeal the Identify and Disrupt Bill 2025 Sign The Petition Here. READ MORE AT INNOVATION AUS. Australia s extraordinary new hacking powers for law enforcement authorities represent the next step in the explosion of the surveillance state, according to a leading digital rights advocate, with backlash against the recently passed legislation gaining pace.Let's break down the key aspects of the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2025:

Data Disruption Warrants: These warrants allow law enforcement to modify, copy, add, or delete data on a target's device or network.This could involve disrupting malicious activity, but also potentially altering evidence or disabling a device remotely.
Account Takeover Warrants: This power grants authorities the ability to take control of a person's online accounts, including social media, email, and other platforms.They can effectively impersonate the target online, potentially gathering information or disrupting their activities.
Network Activity Warrants: These warrants allow the AFP and ACIC to access and monitor an individual's network activity, including their browsing history, online communications, and other data transmitted over the internet.

These warrants are intended to target individuals suspected of engaging in serious criminal activity, particularly online crime. Surveillance state : Australian police given sweeping new hacking powers Sweeping legislation allowing officials from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to target suspected criminals online has passed through the country s parliament with bipartisan support.However, concerns have been raised about the potential for these powers to be used in cases that are not directly related to serious crime, or even against individuals who are not suspected of any wrongdoing.

The Rationale Behind the Legislation: Combating Cybercrime

The Australian government and law enforcement agencies argue that these new powers are essential to effectively combat the rising tide of cybercrime. hacknews : Legislation dramatically expanding the hacking capabilities of Australian authorities investigating suspected cybercriminals has been passed through the country s Senate. News SweepingHome Affairs Minister, Karen Andrews, praised the expanded powers as a necessary tool to target cyber actors and disrupt their operations. See full list on startupdaily.netThey point to the following arguments:

Cybercrime is Evolving: Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their use of technology, making it difficult for traditional law enforcement methods to keep pace.
Cross-Border Crime: Many cybercrimes originate from overseas, making it challenging to track down and prosecute offenders.
Anonymity Online: The internet provides a veil of anonymity that allows criminals to operate with impunity.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure: The new powers are needed to protect Australia's critical infrastructure from cyberattacks that could have devastating consequences.

The argument is that traditional investigative methods are no longer sufficient to address these challenges.Law enforcement agencies need the ability to actively disrupt criminal activity online, seize control of illicit accounts, and gather intelligence in the digital realm.

Concerns About a Potential Surveillance State: Privacy and Civil Liberties

Despite the government's justifications, the new hacking powers have been met with strong opposition from civil liberties advocates, digital rights groups, and privacy experts.Their concerns center on the following:

Lack of Oversight: Critics argue that the legislation lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent abuse of power. Quote:The amendments added to the bill bolster regulatory oversight of the new measures, include strengthened protections for journalists, and sunset the expanded powers after five years.There are concerns that the warrants could be used to target political dissidents, journalists, or other individuals who are not suspected of any serious crime.
Erosion of Privacy: The new powers represent a significant intrusion into the privacy of Australian citizens. The Australian government has been moving towards a surveillance state for some years already. Now they are putting the nail in the coffin with an unprecedented surveillance bill that allows the police to hack your device, collect or delete your data, and take over your social media accounts; without sufficient safeguards to prevent abuse of these new powers.The ability to hack devices, take over accounts, and monitor network activity raises serious concerns about the government's ability to snoop on individuals' private lives.
Scope Creep: There is a fear that the powers, initially intended to target serious cybercrime, could be expanded to cover a wider range of offenses.
Risk of Misuse: The potential for these powers to be misused is significant.There is a risk that innocent individuals could be caught in the crossfire, or that the powers could be used for political purposes.

These concerns have led to warnings that Australia is moving towards a surveillance state, where the government has the ability to monitor and control its citizens' online activities.Digital rights advocates argue that the new legislation represents a dangerous erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Slippery Slope Argument

One of the most common arguments against expanding surveillance powers is the ""slippery slope"" argument. Legislation dramatically expanding the hacking capabilities of Australian authorities investigating suspected cybercriminals has been passed through the country sThis argument suggests that once these powers are granted, they are likely to be expanded over time, leading to a gradual erosion of privacy and civil liberties. Surveillance state : Australian police given sweeping new hacking powersSource: CointelegraphPublished onThe concern is that each new expansion of power makes it easier to justify the next, ultimately leading to a society where the government has unchecked access to citizens' private lives.

Specific Examples of Potential Abuse

To illustrate the potential for abuse, consider the following scenarios:

Targeting Journalists: A journalist investigating government corruption could have their devices hacked and their online communications monitored. Skip to main content Bitcoin Insider. MenuThis could allow the government to identify their sources and undermine their investigation.
Silencing Dissent: Individuals critical of government policies could have their social media accounts taken over and their online activities disrupted.This could effectively silence their voices and discourage others from speaking out.
Political Surveillance: The new powers could be used to monitor the online activities of political opponents, gathering intelligence that could be used to discredit them or undermine their campaigns.
Mistaken Identity: An innocent individual could be mistakenly identified as a suspect and have their devices hacked and their online accounts taken over, causing significant disruption to their life.

These examples highlight the potential for the new hacking powers to be used in ways that are inconsistent with democratic values and fundamental rights.

Arguments in Favor of Safeguards and Oversight

Even proponents of the new powers acknowledge the need for safeguards and oversight to prevent abuse.Some suggest the following measures:

Strict Warrant Requirements: Warrants should only be issued in cases involving serious criminal activity and should require a high level of evidence.
Independent Oversight: An independent body should be established to oversee the use of the new powers and investigate any complaints of abuse.
Transparency and Reporting: The government should be required to report publicly on the use of the new powers, including the number of warrants issued and the types of offenses targeted.
Sunset Clause: The legislation should include a sunset clause, requiring it to be reviewed and reauthorized after a set period of time.

These measures are intended to ensure that the new hacking powers are used responsibly and that the privacy rights of Australian citizens are protected.

The Role of Labor and Bipartisan Support

It is important to note that the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2025 passed through parliament with bipartisan support, including the support of the Labor party.This raises questions about the level of opposition to the legislation and the willingness of both major parties to prioritize national security over privacy concerns.

Some argue that Labor's support for the bill reflects a broader trend towards increased surveillance and government control, regardless of which party is in power.

Practical Implications for Australian Citizens

What does this mean for the average Australian citizen? Onlookers are warning that Australia could be heading down the path to a surveillance state after the Senate passed a bill expanding the hacking capabilities of the Federal Police.While the legislation is primarily targeted at suspected criminals, the potential for collateral damage is real.Here are some practical implications:

Increased Risk of Surveillance: The expanded powers increase the risk that your online activities could be monitored, even if you are not suspected of any wrongdoing.
Compromised Data Security: If your device is hacked by law enforcement, your data could be exposed to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by others.
False Accusations: You could be mistakenly identified as a suspect and have your online accounts taken over, causing significant disruption to your life and reputation.
Chilling Effect on Free Speech: The fear of being monitored could discourage you from expressing your opinions online or participating in political discussions.

It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to protect your privacy online. Sweeping laws permitting officers from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Legal Intelligence Fee to focus on suspected criminals on-line has handedThis includes using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being careful about what you share online.

What Can You Do? 'Surveillance state': Australian police given sweeping new hacking powersTaking Action to Protect Your Privacy

While the new legislation is concerning, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy and advocate for greater oversight of surveillance powers:

Contact Your Elected Officials: Let your Member of Parliament and Senators know your concerns about the new hacking powers.
Support Privacy Advocacy Groups: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that are working to protect digital rights and privacy.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the legislation and its potential implications, and share this information with your friends and family.
Practice Good Online Security Habits: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be careful about what you share online.
Use Privacy-Enhancing Tools: Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy.

By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your privacy is protected and that the government is held accountable for its surveillance policies.

The International Context: Surveillance Powers in Other Countries

Australia is not alone in expanding its surveillance powers.Many other countries around the world have also implemented similar measures in recent years, often in response to concerns about terrorism and cybercrime.However, the extent of these powers varies significantly from country to country.

Examples from Around the World

United States: The US has a long history of surveillance, particularly in the wake of the September 11th attacks.The Patriot Act and other laws have granted the government broad powers to collect data on citizens.
United Kingdom: The UK has implemented some of the most extensive surveillance powers in the Western world, including the ability to intercept communications and collect data on citizens' internet browsing activity.
China: China has built a massive surveillance state, using facial recognition technology, data collection, and other methods to monitor its citizens' activities.

Comparing Australia's new hacking powers to those of other countries can help to put the issue into perspective. The government s approach to technological surveillance is leading us down a dark path, experts warn, as it prepares to give law enforcement agencies new hacking powers. Currently before parliament s Intelligence and Security Committee, the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2025 is the government s latestHowever, it is important to remember that each country has its own unique legal and political context.

The Future of Surveillance in Australia: What's Next?

The passage of the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2025 is likely just the beginning of a long and ongoing debate about the balance between national security and privacy in Australia. 'Surveillance state': Australian police given sweeping new hacking powers PANews ｜ Legislation dramatically expanding the hacking capabilities of Australian authorities investigating suspected cybercriminals has been passed through the country s Senate.It is crucial to remain vigilant and advocate for safeguards that protect fundamental rights while allowing law enforcement to effectively combat crime. Onlookers are warning that Australia could be heading down the path to a surveillance state after the Senate passed a bill expanding the hacking capabilities of the Federal Police. Please note, this is a STATIC archive of website cointelegraph.com from, cach3.com does not collect or store any user information, there is no phishingHow the powers are used and regulated will be critical in shaping the future of digital privacy in the country.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Security and Liberty

The expansion of hacking powers granted to Australian police represents a significant shift in the balance between security and liberty. The new warrants include authorizing police to hack the personal computers and networks of suspected criminals, seize control of their online accounts and identities, and disrupt their data. Home Affairs Minister, Karen Andrews, praised the broad expansion of powers available to Australian authorities targeting cyber actors.While the government argues that these powers are necessary to combat serious cybercrime, critics warn of the potential for abuse and the erosion of privacy rights.The key takeaway is that ongoing vigilance and advocacy are essential to ensure that these powers are used responsibly and that the fundamental rights of Australian citizens are protected.The new legislation brings into sharp focus the ever-present tension between security imperatives and the preservation of individual freedoms in the digital age. Sweeping legislation allowing officials from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to target suspected criminals online has passed through the country sThe path forward requires a commitment to transparency, robust oversight, and a continuous evaluation of the impact of these powers on Australian society. The one's who care are too busy with their lives like work, family enjoying downtime or don't have time. The one's who don't care depend on the government and have all the time in the world to see whats up but choose on doing non productive things.The question isn't simply whether these powers *can* be used, but whether they *should* be, and under what carefully defined circumstances.As Australia navigates this complex terrain, it must strive to find a balance that safeguards its citizens while upholding the values of a free and democratic society.