Statement On The Australian Parliament’s Telecommunication and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018

Washington, DC – Internet Association Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs Melika Carroll issued the following statement today on The Australian Parliament’s Telecommunication and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018. IA also signed onto a coalition letter detailing the serious issues with this bill, including a provision that could force companies to engineer back doors into their products and software under the guise of “technical assistance.”

“The internet industry has deep concerns with Australia’s proposed ‘Assistance and Access’ bill as currently drafted. It’s indisputable that encryption makes everyone safer and that forcing companies to build back doors into the encryption of their products and services makes us all less secure. IA member companies are committed both to protecting individuals’ privacy and working with governments to combat criminals and bad actors.”

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