Federal police to capture personal emails

The Australian Federal Police has announced plans to implement controversial new technology that will capture emails and other information sent in real time.

Sky News is reporting the agency plans to trial 'deep packet inspection' technology in February before a full rollout in April, and will be designed to be used as an internal 'system tool.'
"This technology is common among commercial and government IT systems throughout the world," a spokesman told AAP today, adding that It will not be connected to any external telecommunications or other IT networks and is not associated with data retention in Australian telecommunications networks.
Data retention and unauthorized use of big data has come under heavy fire over recent months after American whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed a deep web of surveillance techniques employed by governments across the world, including Australia.
The move, while designed for internal AFP use, has raised concerns that this kind of technology could be used for broader, more nefarious purposes.


The US-based Centre for Democracy and Technology told AAP the mooted technology is no different from postal employees opening envelopes and reading the letters inside.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Tony Abbott said last week he is confident Australia's agencies act within the law and proper privacy safeguards are in place.