Call for tighter rein on cyber crime laws

The Morrison government wants to gives the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and federal police greater reach to combat online crime.

They could conduct data disruption, intelligence gathering and account takeovers using three new warrants.

A cross-party parliamentary intelligence committee looking into the legislation has called for greater oversight of the proposed powers.

Committee chair James Paterson says the committee supports additional safeguards "to ensure the community has confidence that these powers are only used for their intended purpose".

Among the committee's 34 recommendations is a requirement for a Supreme or Federal Court judge to sign off on warrants.

An exception would allow a lower-ranking judicial officer to sign off on time-sensitive account takeovers.

Privacy, financial and journalistic consequences would be among the issues requiring consideration.

The committee also wants the beefed up powers reserved for more egregious offences including child exploitation, human trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime and serious drug and weapons crime.

The powers would be reviewed by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor after three years and the security committee after four.

A five-year sunset clause would also apply.

Groups including the Communications Alliance were pleased about the push for greater oversight.

"Such sweeping proposed new powers for security agencies must come with appropriate checks, balances and protections," alliance chief executive John Stanton said.

The Human Rights Law Centre urged the government to heed bipartisan recommendations for greater scrutiny.

"The extraordinary new powers being sought in this bill would impact journalists and whistleblowers and go way beyond what is necessary and proportionate in a democracy," legal director Daniel Webb said.

Australian Associated Press