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Telecoms join chorus against GCSB bill

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Source: Labour Party – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Telecoms join chorus against GCSB bill

Clare Curran  | 
Wednesday, June 26, 2013 – 16:46

John Key must explain why the GCSB needs expanded powers to spy on New Zealand citizens when major telecommunications companies are opposed to the move, Labour’s Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran said today.

“John Key’s claims that his new spy laws don’t expand the powers of the GCSB were directly contradicted by New Zealand’s major telecommunications companies in a select committee hearing today.

“Vodafone, Telecom and Chorus all said that they did not see any need to expand the GCSB’s powers as their existing relationship with the surveillance agency works well.

“They said that a new interception law would result in a chilling effect on investment and development of new networks in New Zealand.

“John Key has since said they are all wrong. He refused to say whether he planned any protections for the privacy and rights of New Zealand citizens and businesses alongside the expansion of the GCSB’s powers in his new legislation.

“Public interest and privacy rights rest alongside national security. But if John Key won’t tell us what the national security issues are, then how can the country be reassured that the increased powers are not compromising the rights of New Zealand citizens and businesses?

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“There is widespread concern sweeping the United States, the UK, Europe and Australia about the monitoring of phone and internet traffic by surveillance agencies.

“Refusing to answer legitimate questions is not in the national interest,” Clare Curran said.

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1 COMMENT

  1. “Vodafone, Telecom and Chorus all said that they did not see any need to expand the GCSB’s powers as their existing relationship with the surveillance agency works well.

    “They said that a new interception law would result in a chilling effect on investment and development of new networks in New Zealand.

    “John Key has since said they are all wrong. He refused to say whether he planned any protections for the privacy and rights of New Zealand citizens and businesses alongside the expansion of the GCSB’s powers in his new legislation.

    So Key and National like to bleep-on about economic growth, that fantastic “building a brighter future” and the rest of the propaganda they claim they’re on their way delivering it.

    Now desperate to push further authoritarian laws that are liable to stunt growth as are the concerns of those in the telecommunications industry, Mr-banker-turned-PM thinks he knows better than those in the industry. The arrogance of this fool knows no bounds. High time he dismounts from his high horse, or more likely donkey.

    Notice he came out punching the other day with the excuse this bill will be important to prevent a Boston Marathon-type bombing. I say ditch the bill and stick with the possibility of a bombing – because that bombing will never happen. Most international terrorists probably don’t even know where New Zealand is and we are either too sensible or laid-back to get up to such nonsense. Current arrangements should be capable enough already.

    Can’t help thinking our CGSB makes “CONTROL” from Get Smart look like a professional organisation.

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