18 September 2008
Intruder Alert: State snoopers in your computer
Green Party MP Keith Locke is concerned that the new Search and Seizure Powers Bill will further intrude on New
Zealanders' privacy.
"Much of a person's life is increasingly on their computer these days, so it is worrying that the bill provides more
general powers to search computers, even by remote access or hacking," Mr Locke says.
"While such provisions might help police apprehend law breakers, we do have to worry about the growing intrusion on our
privacy - or a creep towards a surveillance state - inherent in the wider use of electronic interception, tracking
devices and the searching of home computers.
"The bill could encourage 'fishing expeditions' because it will now be permitted for information to be gathered on a
range of crimes, not just those mentioned in the search warrant.
"It is good that the bill does introduce more consistency in search and surveillance activity, and more systematic
reporting, but as a whole it tips the balance towards more intrusive police powers as against privacy protection."
ENDS