Spying on New Zealanders

Remember we were told by John Key that we need to be spied upon because "Kiwi technology" was being used to build "weapons of mass destruction"

It’s OK, The Prime Minister Signed Off On Us Spying On You!

Travellerev

Aotearoa: a Wider Perspective,

6 May, 2013

If this makes you feel any safer let me remind you that the same Prime Minister who will sign off on the GCSB law changes is the same PM who installed his mate as the head of the GCSB and he is only trying to make legitimate what he did illegally last year. And all this for Corporate copyright protection and all while the SIS is more than equipped to do the necessary spying.

The Government Communications and Security Bureau will be able to spy on New Zealanders under proposed law changes unveiled today. But it will need the prime minister's permission.

New legislation to overhaul the rules governing the GCSB was released this afternoon by Prime Minister John Key.

The GCSB has been under scrutiny since it was revealed the intelligence agency illegally spied on internet millionaire Kim Dotcom.

The agency was meant to assist with international intelligence and cyber security, but was not supposed to spy on New Zealanders, that was the role of the Security Intelligence Service.

However, under proposed changes the GCSB would be able to monitor New Zealand citizens and residents with the permission of the responsible minister - usually the prime minister.

"The GCSB will require an authorisation from the responsible minister and the commissioner of security warrants when its cyber security and information assurance functions are being performed in relation to the communications of New Zealanders," Key said.

He said the operating environment of New Zealand's intelligence agencies had changed and it was vital the rules kept pace.

The legislative changes would allow the GCSB to provide support to police, the Defence Force, and the SIS.

I'll bet my bottom dollar that Peters will come to the party.

PM seeking Peters' support for spy law

Prime Minister John Key is seeking the support of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters for legislation updating the laws governing the country's electronic spy agency.

Hugh Fletcher, head of the spy organsiation, GCSB

Radio NZ,

6 May, 2013

The range of amendments include allowing the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) to spy on New Zealanders on behalf of police, the Defence Force and the Security Intelligence Service.

They are being put in place after it was revealed that internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom, a German national with New Zealand residency, was monitored illegally by the agency.

John Key said on Monday he is willing to compromise on the legislation to get New Zealand First's support.

"I've written to Mr Peters this afternoon; I've asked him if he'd like to have a meeting and have a discussion about his recommendations. I've sought some advice on the workings of his recommendations which are around a panel and I would believe that's possible."

The amendments will be debated for the first time in Parliament this week and Mr Key expects the bill to pass its first reading.

The public will be able to make written submissions and the Intelligence and Security select committee will hear them.

PM sign off to enable domestic spying

The Government Communications and Security Bureau will be able to spy on New Zealanders under proposed law changes unveiled today. But it will need the prime minister's permission.

Stuff,

6 May, 2013

New legislation to overhaul the rules governing the GCSB was released this afternoon by Prime Minister John Key.

The GCSB has been under scrutiny since it was revealed the intelligence agency illegally spied on internet millionaire Kim Dotcom.

The agency was meant to assist with international intelligence and cyber security, but was not supposed to spy on New Zealanders, that was the role of the Security Intelligence Service.

However, under proposed changes the GCSB would be able to monitor New Zealand citizens and residents with the permission of the responsible minister - usually the prime minister.

"The GCSB will require an authorisation from the responsible minister and the commissioner of security warrants when its cyber security and information assurance functions are being performed in relation to the communications of New Zealanders," Key said.

He said the operating environment of New Zealand's intelligence agencies had changed and it was vital the rules kept pace.

The legislative changes would allow the GCSB to provide support to police, the Defence Force, and the SIS.

"The GCSB will only be able to provide that support when those agencies are acting within their own lawful duties," Key said.

The GCSB would also be required to provide advice and help to other public and private sector organisations.

The Government Communications Security Bureau and Related Legislation Amendment Bill included changes to the Government Communications Security Bureau Act 2003, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1996, and the Intelligence and Security Committee Act 1996.

Key said the changes would strengthen the oversight of New Zealand's intelligence agencies.

It followed a report by Cabinet secretary Rebecca Kitteridge which found "difficulties in the legal interpretation of the GCSB Act".

The bill also strengthened the inspector-general of intelligence and security role.

It was due to be introduced into Parliament this week.