The Federal Government's controversial data retention bill is expected to pass parliament's lower house today, amid uproar from the media and public.

The Opposition has raised meagre criticism, but the bill still enjoys bipartisan support.

It is possible that the legislation will go to a vote before Question Time (2pm AEDT), after the government tables a new amendment.

The addition would enforce the requirement of a warrant for access to the internet and phone accounts of journalists.

But the moves to gather digital data on every single internet user could have negative effects beyond threats to journalism, the Parliament's Human Rights Committee says.

It wants the data retention bill changed so authorities have to obtain a warrant to access any stored data.

The Opposition can only find minor concerns with the bill.

Labor MP Pat Conroy says the retained telecommunications data should be stored onshore to maximise security.

Labor's Ed Husic is worried about the near $400 million bill for data retention.

Labor MP Laurie Ferguson said he wanted protections for journalists extended to those who do not do it as a full-time job.

Labor's Terry Butler says the Government should consult the media on the journalists’ provision.

There has been almost no attempt to address the larger risks of spying on the digital lives of every Australian citizen.

Those risks have been expertly spelled-out in this independent media article.