[ISN] NSW police to search computer networks

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/06/2182021.htm

ABC News
March 6, 2008

The New South Wales Cabinet has approved new powers for police designed 
to help them track terrorist threats, fraudsters and paedophiles through 
computer networks.

The proposed laws would allow police to search computers networked to 
those listed on a search warrant.

Police could also seize computer hard drives and memory sticks for up to 
seven days.

Police Minister David Campbell says police are currently only able to 
search computer hardware found on a premises named in a search warrant.

He says with the changes, they will be able to go a step further and 
search other networked computers, regardless of where they are located.

"What we know is that there are organised crime gangs who use the 
internet and other forms of technology to hide their crimes," he said.

"There's also the ongoing concern of pornography over the internet, and 
these proposed new powers for police will give police an even playing 
field."

Mr Campbell says the measures are needed to address the changing nature 
of cyber crimes.

"As computer technology improves and becomes more sophisticated, the 
[State] Government is determined to give police the power they need to 
deal with that sophisticated crime," he said.

"This is about making sure that police can keep up with the crooks and 
bring them to justice...

"Whether that's gang-related or fraud-related, or whether it deals with 
those who pedal child pornography, police will have additional powers to 
keep our community safer."

Queensland Police yesterday announced a two-year investigation involving 
police from Australia, the United States, Europe and New Zealand has led 
to the arrest of 22 people, accused of sharing violent and sexual 
material over the internet and involving 40 children.

Two Australians are among those arrested in the global network.


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