Data retention law a ‘monumental stuff-up’, says internet users group

Internet Australia wants review brought forward owing to 'continuing disquiet' as government seeks to expand access

The peak body for internet users in Australia has formally requested that a review of the attorney general's data retention scheme be brought forward, calling the legislation a "monumental stuff-up" as the government seeks to expand access to include civil lawsuits.

Laurie Patton, the chief executive of Internet Australia (IA), has written to the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security to request that the review of the Data Retention Act be held sooner owing to "continuing disquiet" over its effectiveness and implementation.