A digital rights organisation is advocating to ban law enforcement agencies from accessing digital ID data. Digital Rights Watch has urged the Australian government to block law enforcement agencies from using data under the proposed Digital ID legislation. The group, in a submission to the Senate inquiry into the Digital ID Bill 2023, expressed fears that digital ID could be exploited for mass surveillance and law enforcement purposes.
The federal finance minister, Katy Gallagher, introduced the national digital ID legislation to the Senate at the end of the parliamentary session in 2023. The bill has been referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee. In its submission, Digital Rights Watch argued that the digital ID system ought not to be repurposed for surveillance or law enforcement functions. It stated that individuals using a digital ID should not have to worry about it being later used to facilitate mass surveillance. The group proposed that law enforcement agencies should be explicitly prohibited from using digital ID data held by any accredited entities.
The Digital ID Bill 2023 aims to create a legal framework for Australians to verify their identity online through a shared platform with both government and businesses. Despite the fact that Australians are already allowed to use digital ID to access government services, the government is planning to extend use of the Australian Government Digital ID System (AGDIS) to state and territory governments, and the private sector. The Senate Economics Legislation Committee is expected to report by late February, after which there will be a public hearing in Canberra.
The government has received strong support for the digital ID legislation, as well as some opposition, from various sectors, including major supermarket Woolworths. The Digital Rights organisation, however, has voiced concerns over the proposed penalties for entities failing to comply with privacy and security obligations. It has recommended that the penalties be increased to better reflect the seriousness of collecting and handling individuals’ personal and sensitive information. Additionally, the organisation has called for the digital ID system to be truly voluntary, with other non-digital alternatives for Australians. It has urged the government to engage in meaningful consultation to build trust, noting that the extremely short timeframe does not allow for genuine input from civil society and community groups.