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New Zealand Government About To Legalize Spying On NZ Citizens

Posted by Unknown on from the if-you-have-nothing-to-hide dept.

Flere Imsaho writes "After admitting they have illegally spied on NZ citizens or residents 88 times (PDF) since 2003, the government, in a stunning example of arse covering, is about to grant the GCSB the right to intercept the communications of New Zealanders in its role as the national cyber security agency, rather than examine the role the GCSB should play and then look at the laws. There has been strong criticism from many avenues. The bill is being opposed by Labor and the Greens, but it looks like National now have the numbers to get this passed. Of course, the front page story is all about the royal baby, with this huge erosion of privacy relegated to a small article near the bottom of the front page. Three cheers, the monarchy is secure, never mind the rights of the people. More bread and circuses anyone?"

4 of 216 comments (clear)

  1. Is Sauron in the gov there? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    --A concerned Hobbit.

    1. Re:Is Sauron in the gov there? by Internetuser1248 · · Score: 3, Funny

      "Is Sauron in the gov there?"

      Sauron has been the US president for some time. "One Spy-Ring to rule them all", etc, etc.

      I think John Key is better compared with Gríma Wormtongue. Which would make David Cameron Saruman.

  2. Re:Still illegal under NZ Constitution by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 5, Funny

    Or the US.

    Well, yes, but we're insane, so we don't count.

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
  3. New Zealand is always in the forefront by Taco+Cowboy · · Score: 2, Funny

    From time immemorial nation-states have always been spying on their own citizens.

    New Zealand, being one of the most progressive nations on Earth, is again taking the lead in making this ancient practice LEGAL.

    As this has come to pass, wonder what New Zealand will do next ...

    --
    Muchas Gracias, Señor Edward Snowden !