Proposed customs powers show politicians’ digital ignorance – again.

“Once again, 20th century politicians and civil servants are regulating 21st century technology,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“As with the Harmful Digital Communications Bill, the government is entrusting sweeping powers to a group of bureaucrats, justifying it on the promise that the law won’t be enforced to its full potential.

“Inevitably, overzealous customs staff will instead use this law to breach travellers’ privacy.

“Meanwhile, it’s hard to believe that any serious criminal would leave incriminating files on their device when cloud storage options are readily available.

“The Minister claims the law needs strengthening in light of new technology. But it is precisely this new technology that makes people’s personal information and files more vulnerable to government overreach.

“In the past, people would pack documents they were willing to be seen by customs. But with the advent of portable computers, people now often travel with all of their personal files.

“Legislation for the digital era must be informed by those who understand the technology. Blunt powers of search and surveillance are increasingly unworkable in the ever-changing digital arena.”

ENDS

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