The source code behind the majority of modern encryption algorithms is available in almost every major library in the world. Federal Coalition policy opposes heavy-handed attempts to ban strong encryption techniques, and the other major Federal parties have also supported relaxation of current controls. Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced in March that Australia would adopt the OECD Cryptography guidelines, which are regarded as far more acceptable than existing controls. Despite the importance of cryptography to Australia's future in the Information Age, the matter has received scant attention by the Parliament. Electronic Frontiers Australia is an online privacy advocacy group concerned about the growing intrusion of government into people's personal lives.
Encryption is technology that scrambles computer files and communications to protect privacy.
It protects everything from medical records to ATM transactions. Australia is a party to the Wassenaar Arrangement, which treats strong encryption software like high-grade munitions products. Export of all encryption products is banned unless a license is granted by the Minister for Defence. This is a 1995 international regime to control trade in conventional arms and dual-use goods and technology. 33 countries are signatories, including most European countries, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the USA and Australia.