The government has reportedly confirmed that it has been looking at forcing ISPs to retain the web browsing history of Australian residents for future scrutiny.
Internet service providers have been in discussion with the Attorney General's Department on ways to implement the data retention regime, reports internet and technology website ZDnet.
In a statement, ZDnet was told that the government had been examining an EU directive which compels companies to keep customers' data for a specified period, to be readily available to law enforcement agencies.
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"The Attorney-General's Department has been looking at the European Directive on Data Retention, to consider whether such a regime is appropriate within Australia's law enforcement and security context," the Department said.
The head of the Internet Industry Association confirmed the discussions, but told ZDnet he did not think the government would push ahead unilaterally, without public debate on the issue. The government has been heavily criticised over the last year for Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's plans to enforce mandatory internet filtering in Australia. Campaigners, as well as internet giants such as Google, have condemned the moves.
