Security and defence

Data retention legislation and privacy

Concern about non-traditional security threats appears to have eclipsed that of traditional security threats for Australians in 2020. COVID-19 and ‘drought and water shortages’ are seen as the top threats to Australia’s vital interests in the next ten years. Traditional threats such as international terrorism and Iran's nuclear program have moved from the forefront of the Australian public's mind, whereas concern about 'a severe downturn in the global economy' has risen by 20 points, with 71% saying that it poses a critical threat. Following the bushfire crisis over the Australian summer, six in ten Australians see 'environmental disasters such as bushfires and floods' (67%) and climate change (59%) as critical threats. Australians are feeling extremely anxious in 2020, with only 50% of the country saying they feel safe, a sizeable 28-point drop from 2018.

Security and defence
Data retention legislation and privacy

Question

As part of the effort to combat terrorism and protect national security, the Australian government is introducing legislation which will require Australian telecommunications companies to retain data about communications such as phone calls, emails and internet usage, but not their content. Do you personally think this is justified or not justified?

This question was asked in 2015.

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