When, where and to whom you send emails will now be recorded…

Metadata Retention

On October 13th, the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Cth) legislated for the retention of metadata by telecommunications carriers and internet service providers (telcos) for a mandatory period of two years. This data will then be made available to federal, state and territory police, Medicare, Councils in NSW, Worksafe Victoria, the RSPCA, the Tax Office, Australia Post, domestic spy agency ASIO, ASIC and many others when conducting criminal and financial investigations.

What is Metadata

There is no formal legal definition of Metadata. The Attorney General's department has submitted that it is data created 'when online tasks are undertaken and other forms of electronic communication are made'.