In 2015, the Telecommunications Act 1979 passed the MetaData Collection Law in Australia that required telecommunication companies to record a particular set of data related to Australian citizens for 2 years.

According to the law, your online activities were to be monitored, stored, tracked, but not be allowed to be used in civil legal proceedings, as per the federal government of Australia.

In 2017, the Australian government enforced its data retention law. This law allowed specific agencies to spy on law-abiding citizens. The citizens were assured that only specific agencies will have access to the data to track down criminals/terrorists.

In 2018, it was found out that many more agencies were accessing the data. While the government focuses on catching terrorists, it neglects the Australian citizens who fall victim each year to international cyber crime syndicates.

Let’s See What Actually Meta Data Is

Metadata is the data that describes other data. It can include HTML tags and information about when a document was created, and what changes have been made in that document. Metadata can be created manually, or by automated information processing. Metadata can only be accessed in certain viewing modes.

Australia’s metadata retention scheme was proposed back in 2015. The law abides internet providers & telecommunication companies to store information generated by customers calling, texting or using the internet!

Internet World isn’t as fancy as you think it is right?

Who has Access?

Metadata is the information that is held by telcos. This information includes communications made through a digital service, phone numbers of people who call each other and how long they talk and details of text messages.

However, telcos are not allowed to disclose this information. Only agencies like, the Department of Home Affairs, ASIC and the ACCC can request this data.

Why Lawful Access to Data Is Important

Data plays the main role in almost all serious criminal and national security investigations. This is the reason why it’s so critical that law enforcement and security agencies have the ability to lawfully access this kind of data. For example, child exploitation investigations rely heavily on access to data because perpetrators often share information online.

Metadata Law Australia

Metadata law was enforced in Australia in 2015. This law allows telecommunication companies and Internet service providers to keep consistent and reliable data of their customers for 2 years.

Metadata to be stored includes:

Names, addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, SMS messages, voice messages and emails The destination of any communication made online The date, time and duration of that communication The type of communications and internet services used The location where a communication is made The size of any attachment sent with emails and their formats Account details held by the ISP such as whether the account is active or not

Now, should you be concerned? Are ISPs and agencies eyeing on anything or possibly everything you and your family are doing over the internet? Well, as the law suggests, definitely they are and it’s legit now. Your information like sent emails, files downloaded, pictures uploaded, GPS tags via smartphones, online check-ins and web pages you visit, all will be used to gather metadata which will be used eventually to make pinpoint accurate profiles about the internet users.

Why is it a Nightmare for Aussies?

What else could it be? The collected data would be given to the law enforcement agencies, and even to intelligence if the need arises. The agencies do not require a license or anyone’s consent as it is legal and passed by the Australian Federal House of Representatives.

The law is being criticized by most of the Australians because the terrorists are already aware of tracking and they know how to bypass it technically. So basically it’s the ordinary citizen whose data will be stored and kept. Things are not well defined and are still vague, which makes it even worse for the people.

Should I be Concerned with Data Retention Law?

Don’t you feel that privacy is a right of every citizen and internet user of Australia and moreover a taxpaying citizen? There are more than 2 million internet users, and there’s not much one can do about it? Or are you just ok with whatever is happening, and you are not doing anything wrong online! Well, there’s a simple answer to that!

Can you share your Facebook/email passwords with us? No, you cannot! Right? Then it makes you ineligible to claim that it doesn’t bother you.

The reality is that every Australian citizen is concerned about their online privacy because of the data retention law.

So Here’s How to Avoid MetaData Collection!

A VPN is the savior for Aussies because MetaData collection can be beaten by simply connecting to a VPN which offers high encryption. Don’t trust our words?

Well, Communications Minister Mr. Malcolm Turnbull also states that using a VPN may help you avoid metadata collection and it will kill the ability of law enforcement to match up user’s IP addresses. So basically you get to stay anonymous and do whatever you wish to do, without having any fear of online surveillance.

Get the Best VPN to Troll Metadata

VPN is the only way out if privacy is at stake, as it allows you to communicate privately. This way all your ISP can see is your connection to a VPN server that means your IP is protected and no one knows you once you are connected to a VPN. VPN providers have reported a huge uprise in sales right after this hype.

Below we have listed some best VPNs for you that will help you stay anonymous, secure and encrypted online!

How to Be Secure Over the Internet?

The best way to ensure your online privacy is to use a trusted VPN, especially when you are using a public wifi. Whenever you are connected to public wifi, it becomes very easy for hackers to get your personal information. To prevent that from happening, using a VPN is a must. Other ways to stay safe online are;

Don’t send sensitive information digitally Secure your texts by using end-to-end encryption options Be aware of malware and viruses Make sure your operating system and software is updated Use strong passwords Avoid sites that aren’t https Pay attention to privacy settings Backup your data Only use trusted software Only use secure wifi connections Avoid phishing emails Read privacy policies

6 Best Australian VPN to Avoid Metadata Collection

NordVPN

NordVPN is a long-running champion of unblocking video streaming services online. It unblocks pretty much everything. It is one of the top VPN providers out there and the reason is their advanced features, which include:

High speed No-log policy Easily bypasses restrictions on major geo-blocked streaming sites High security and privacy 24/7 customer support via live chat Automatic kill switch DNS leak protection Unlimited bandwidth Encrypted proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers Offers up to 6 devices simultaneous connection

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. It is also one of the top rankers among VPNs. Some of it’s best features are:

Excellent speed No logs Works with Netflix User-friendly Supports all devices 24/7 customer service Excellent for streaming

IPVanish

IPVanish provides some interesting features, and they are:

End-to-end network encryption Secure anonymous browsing Easy to use Bypasses censorship Limitless bandwidth IPv6 leak protection Fast customer service

SurfShark VPN

Various features Can unblock Netflix The 2-year plan is very cheap Fast live-chat support No connection failures Connection time is faster than average No IP leaks No logs Impressive technical security Very reliable Great VPN for any purpose You can connect unlimited devices Fast loading time Automatic kill switch (native apps only) DNS leak protection

VyprVPN

3-Day free trial Very safe Offers high quality No logs Customized Chameleon protocol ( to help bypass VPN blocking) Zero-knowledge DNS Available for all devices Fast speed Up to 5 connections at once Kill switch High-level encryption 24/7 customer support

PIA VPN