Some reaction to GCSB Bill hysterical, highly politicised

Thousands around the country marched against the GCSB Bill on Saturday.

They included a protest in Wellington, where a closed fence as scaled (see photo right), and a couple of thousand who Marched up Auckland's Queen St (eveloping the car of a hapless NBR reporter on his way to the gym in the process; see video below).

Kim Dotcom addressed a rally in Auckland's Aotea Square, where Labour politicians were also in attendance. The party has now displayed Mr Dotcom's smoothness in coopting the issue. At an earlier meeting, David Cunliffe told the audience Labour would repeal the controvesial legislation; Mr Shearer said it would review it.

And while many in the IT community have sharply Peter Dunne for supporting the GCSB Bill, condemnation is not universal.

Below, former InternetNZ President Peter Macaulay says some of the reaction has been hysterical and politicised, and that the GCSB Bill is now close to acceptable. - Editor

The GCSB Bill iin perspective

Privacy is important. So is security.

The GCSB Bill has several flaws which have been well covered by the InternetNZ response, along with Peter Dunne's suggestions.

With these changes, the GCSB Bill gets close to but not totally acceptable. However, the hysterical and highly politicised reactions are moving beyond the issues justified by the flaws in the act.

Here are a few points from my perspective:

1) There are a number of people in NZ who it is vital for the police and other agencies to be able to keep tabs on. They need the GCSB to do some of this. In the UK, if it had not been for intercepted communications, many more would be dead and maimed from terrorist activity.

2) There is no intent to have all Kiwis communications intercepted or even all metadata revealed. Our agencies just don't have the capacity or will.

3) There have been a relatively small number of warrants issued under the existing GCSB legislation, and I doubt if it will increase, unless we see some really nasty stuff going on, in which case it will be justified.

4) The Labour Party claims on one hand that it will repeal the new legislation. on the other hand it won't, it will review and revise. The claim of a repeal is both irresponsible and potentially undermines national security. The opposition parties have a duty to make clear what their issues are and push hard for change, as Peter Dunne has.

5) Our courts are trustworthy.

6) There is no evidence of significant US activity in checking on kiwis. there is just as much if not more PRC activity.

Keep your eyes peeled for any activity which infringes an individuals rights, and then take prompt strong action! I promise I will.

Former InternetNZ President Peter Macaulay is a director of The Coalface Community, a group that provides organisations with networking opportunities for their ICT leaders, and governance, strategy and innovation practice principal at The Number One IT Group.

MORE:

US spy agencies eavesdrop on Kiwi journalist (Stuff)

Peter Dunne: why I voted for GCSB Bill

GCSB Bill reported back to the House - improved but not fundamentally changed (guest comment by InterentNZ CEO Jordan Carter)

Why I decided to support GCSB Bill (guest comment by Peter Dunne)

Key open to further GCSB Bill changes to win Peters' support