Asio Spy Chief Defends Surveillance Network and Argues for Broader Powers Guardian (United Kingdom) (07/21/14) Hurst, Daniel Australian Security Intelligence Organization chief David Irvine defended Australias surveillance framework during testimony before an Australian Senate committee on Monday, saying that his agency does not engage in mass surveillance and that it only focuses on “a few thousand” people every year. Irvine also reaffirmed his calls for a mandatory data-retention plan and said that telecommunications providers should take responsibility for protecting consumers’ privacy as part of a requirement to store customer data for two years. Irving also noted that about 150 people in Australia are alleged to have some connection with extremist elements in Syria and Iraq, and that agencies were aware of about 60 Australians who were involved in the fighting in both countries. Irvines testimony comes as the Australian government is considering a collection of national-security reforms to strengthen intelligence agencies.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:00:59 +0000