Government takes covers off spy network

The Government has thrown some light on its spying network, with the introduction yesterday of legislation to formalise the existence of the Government Communications Security Bureau.

At the same time a booklet outlining the country's security and intelligence agencies was also released.

Previously the bureau's existence rested solely on a cabinet directive.

Prime Minister Helen Clark told Parliament the Government Communications Security Bureau Bill would lay down in law the "existing executive arrangements ... and authorise its activities."

The proposed law would put the bureau on a similar footing to the Security Intelligence Service.

Helen Clark said the GCSB "contributes to the national security of New Zealand through the collection and reporting of foreign signals intelligence."

The bureau has often been criticised for its secretive nature and regular protests are held at the Waihopai satellite communications interception station, near Blenheim.

Opponents argue that Waihopai is a foreign-controlled spy base that indiscriminately intercepts innocent phone, fax and e-mail communications passing through two satellites over the Pacific.

As well as Waihopai, the bureau operates a high-frequency radio interception and direction-finding station at Tangimoana, near Bulls.

Helen Clark said the bill was "another step towards making the work of our security and intelligence agencies as transparent as they can be, given the circumstances in which they operate."

- NZPA

Herald Online feature: Privacy

Privacy Commissioner (NZ)

Electronic Privacy Information Centre (USA)

ACLU Echelon Watch (USA)

Cyber Rights and Liberties(UK)