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Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google take stand against encryption law in Australia

The law could set a precedent for the US.

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seankeane
Sean Keane Former Senior Writer
Sean knows far too much about Marvel, DC and Star Wars, and poured this knowledge into recaps and explainers on CNET. He also worked on breaking news, with a passion for tech, video game and culture.
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Apple is among the tech companies that's reportedly opposing Australia's Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018.

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Apple , Amazon , Facebook and Google will reportedly oppose Australian legislation that would force them to give access to encrypted data linked to suspected illegal activities.

Called the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018, it would allow law enforcement chiefs to issue tech companies with notices requiring them to decrypt communications.

The government says the law, proposed in August, is needed because of an increased risk of terror attacks.

However, Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google parent company Alphabet will team up to lobby lawmakers to amend the bill ahead of a parliamentary vote that's expected in a few weeks, Reuters reported, citing the Alliance for a Safe and Secure Internet.

None of the four companies nor Australia's home affairs minister or the Alliance for a Safe and Secure Internet immediately responded to requests for comment.

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Watch this: How to keep your Facebook messages private with end-to-end encryption