Don’t want the authorities to see your metadata? Neither does Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, so he’s given Australians a list of ways in which they can keep their information hidden.
Whether for the greater good or not, his cheeky tips show how easy it can to subvert the Federal Government’s national security laws, which are being implemented in the hopes of thwarting terrorist activity both online and in the community.
Whilst many feel that the government’s call for telecommunications agencies to retain consumer metadata for up to two years is an invasion of privacy, there are just as many who feel that the new laws are fair and in our best interests. If you’ve got nothing to hide, then why bother hiding?
Mr Ludlam’s strategies include:
- using Facebook Messenger
- sending private messages via Twitter, Gmail or another international email provider
- downloading anonymity network programs such as Tor
- using private-key cryptography phone apps
- using virtual private networks (VPNs).
Unfortunately for Australian providers, the simple way to avoid the government spying on you online, sign up with an overseas providers, which will remain outside of the data retention scheme.
Mr Ludlam has assured the Senate that his tips are completely legal. He just wants Australians to “take the power back”. And now the power to keep your metadata private is in your hands.
Will you use any of Mr Ludlam’s tips to keep your information private? Are you confident that you have nothing to hide? How do you feel about the metadata retention laws?
Read more at SBS.com.au