What is metadata?
If you're using a smart phone, PC, laptop, tablet and other
forms of technology you're creating metadata. Essentially,
it's your cyber 'footprint' - the information that can
identify you and what you're doing.
Recently Australia passed new laws whereby Internet Service Providers and telecommunications companies must keep your metadata for a minimum period of two years.
What does this mean for you?
Details such as the time, date and location of your calls are
being tracked, as well as details about internet usage, email
addresses and online chat times, dates and identities of those on
the chat.
It does not include the content you are communicating about – for example, the body of an SMS, subject and body of emails, Facebook posts and web browsing history.
Why have the laws been introduced?
Similar laws have been introduced in the UK and aim to address
increased security threats. Despite this, many people have raised
concerns surrounding the invasion of privacy.
Many of us don't realise that metadata could already be accessed by law enforcement agencies – if telecommunications companies had retained it, which was not mandatory. Under the new laws retention is mandatory.
What happens next?
Telecommunications companies are now putting systems in place for
data retention. Along with any privacy concerns, there are
additional concerns that bills will be hiked with a view to passing
on the set up costs to the consumer.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.