Media release – Identify, Takeover and Disrupt: Public Hearing Livestream

The necessity and impact of certain Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) electronic surveillance and disruption powers will be examined by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (Monitor), Mr Jake Blight, at a public hearing in Canberra on 19-20 February 2025.

Three types of warrants are being reviewed: 

1. Data Disruption Warrants (DDW): enable AFP and ACIC to disrupt crimes online by modifying, adding to, copying or deleting data.
2. Network Activity Warrants (NAW): allow AFP and ACIC to identify criminal networks by collecting intelligence on electronic services and computers they may use.
3. Account Takeover Warrants (ATW): authorise AFP and ACIC to take over digital accounts to gather evidence.

‘Special surveillance and disruption powers need robust safeguards and the review will look at who should be able to issue these warrants and in what circumstances, as well as when data can be shared, retained and used’, Mr Blight said.

The INSLM is an independent statutory officer responsible for reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of national security and counterterrorism laws and considering whether the laws contain appropriate protections for individual rights, remain proportionate to terrorism or national security threats, and remain necessary.

Witnesses at the 19-20 February public hearing will include senior AFP and ACIC officers, the Law Council of Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission, industry and civil liberty groups, academic experts and media. Please see the hearing program for full details.

The inquiry has received 24 submissions.

The INSLM public hearings will be streamed live Day 1 from 9am on Wednesday 19 February and Day 2 from 9am on Thursday 20 February. A transcript of the public hearing will be made available on the INSLM website in due course.

The Monitor is also in the early stages of a review of espionage, foreign interference and sabotage offences in the Criminal Code.