Federal government departments are using increasingly powerful cyber-snooping equipment to monitor the social media lives of millions of Australians.

A dramatic public confrontation between the Immigration Department and a Sydney-based political activist over her Facebook page has resulted in accusations that mass surveillance is being used to keep tabs on political dissent.

''They have no right to be spying on members of the public.'': Vanessa Powell. Credit:Kate Ausburn

Other large government departments including Centrelink, Defence and Social Services have all conducted mass monitoring of social media activity.

Centrelink's parent agency, the Department of Human Services, even has its own software, which was developed by the CSIRO. A social media team of 10 public servants operates the software.