Government tapping of people's phones is widespread around the world with Australia among a long list of countries permitting access to phone networks.
But Australia rates better than some, a report compiled by one of the world's largest phone companies says.
The detailed report by UK mobile carrier Vodafone examines legislative frameworks for telecommunications interception in 29 countries where it operates.
It says this is its contribution to the global debate on telecommunications interception.
The report says Australian carriers have legislative obligations to assist law enforcement and national security agencies, including an obligation to disclose information where authorised.
Interception is authorised by warrants issued to law enforcement and security agencies - though it may occur without a warrant in specified urgent circumstances.
Of substantial concern is the revelation in Vodafone's report that in six countries, authorities can bypass all legal requirements such as warrants to directly access an operator's network.
"In those countries, Vodafone will not receive any form of demand for lawful interception access as the relevant agencies and authorities already have permanent access to customer communications via their own direct link," the report said.
Vodafone doesn't specifically say which countries.
But in a detailed appendix compiled by an international law firm, it says Albania, Egypt, Hungary, Ireland, Qatar and Turkey all have provisions allowing authorities to request unfettered access.
In two other countries, India and the UK, legal provisions are unclear.
The report doesn't spell out the extent of telecommunications interception in Australia.
But the 2012-13 annual report, required under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, says a total of 3330 interception warrants were issued, more than half to NSW police and the NSW Crime Commission.
Around two-thirds were for drug trafficking and organised crime.
Share
