NEW ZEALAND - InternetNZ is worried the
Government may take up recommendations that could sacrifice the online security
of all New Zealanders. A broader debate is needed than one led by law
enforcement, according to InternetNZ.
The concerns arise after the release of recommendations from
the Five Nations conference (known as the Five Eyes). Law enforcement ministers
from the member countries - New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the US and the UK -
met to discuss "grave threats" online and ways to tackle illicit
material.
InternetNZ Chief Executive, Jordan Carter, agrees that the
tech sector, the government and others do need to find solutions to tackle
illicit material from appearing online.
"One recommendation the Five Eyes put forward could
possibly break end-to-end encryption - and this is really worrying for New
Zealanders.
"Encryption provides important protection for all of
us. We need encryption for things like online banking and booking travel
safely. We need it to keep ourselves safe and secure online. Without it no one
will have trust in the Internet.
"There are alternative solutions to keeping New
Zealanders safe without breaking technologies that do just that. To find these
solutions - the right people need to be in the room.
"It’s vital the government discuss these topics with a
wide range of people and organizations - the tech sector, law enforcement,
small and medium businesses who depend on safe online services, human rights,
privacy advocates and more," says Carter.