Australia has become the first western country to pass a bill forcing tech companies to hand over your encrypted data

Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google and others say the move will create a back door to users’ data and inevitably undermine security for everyone

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The law allows Australian security services to access encrypted messages sent on services such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Photo: EPA

Published: 7:16pm, 6 Dec 2018Updated: 9:43pm, 6 Dec 2018

A controversial bill allowing spies and police to snoop on the encrypted communications of suspected terrorists and criminals was passed in Australia on Thursday, as tech giants warned of wide-ranging implications for global cybersecurity.

The bill, the most far-reaching imposed by a western country, is set to become law before the end of the year.

“Let’s just make Australians safe over Christmas,” opposition Labour Party leader Bill Shorten told reporters outside parliament in the capital of Canberra.

Bill Shorten speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australian C, leader of the opposition. Photo: EPA

There has been extensive debate about the new law and its reach beyond Australia’s shores in what is seen as the latest salvo between global governments and tech firms over national security and privacy.

Under the legislation, Canberra can compel local and international providers – including overseas communication giants such as Facebook and WhatsApp – to remove electronic protections, conceal covert operations by government agencies, and help with access to devices or services.

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Australia has become the first western country to pass a bill forcing tech companies to hand over your encrypted data

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google and others say the move will create a back door to users’ data and inevitably undermine security for everyone

Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google and others say the move will create a back door to users’ data and inevitably undermine security for everyone