Queensland may impose criminal sanctions for intrusive electronic surveillance.

Queensland is set to overhaul the intrusive use of security technologies, including private biometric identification, video recognition, surveillance technology, drones and tracking devices. 

Improper use of these technologies could be considered criminal conduct under a sweeping review by the Palaszczuk government, aimed at limiting the legal use of otherwise law-enforcement regulated snooping methods.

The government is seeking submissions on where private and public surveillance should start and stop. 

Queensland is becoming a testing ground for security technology, following tech crackdowns on Schoolies, police ‘wanding’ for concealed blades and the continued proliferation of ‘brawl’ videos. 

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman says “the criminal prohibitions discussed in the consultation paper would regulate optical, tracking and data surveillance devices in legislation, as well as impose criminal penalties on the use, installation, and maintenance of surveillance devices without consent, and the sharing of information obtained from a surveillance device”. 

The consultation paper appears to include some recommendations made by the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) on the use of surveillance devices and the adequacy of the state’s privacy legislation. 

“It is critical that we have legislation that reflects a modern Queensland and effectively protects against invasions of privacy carried out through the use of various types of surveillance devices,” Fentiman said. 

“The consultation paper is about seeking views on the approach to stronger privacy protections for Queenslanders, and making sure technology is prohibited from harmful use, such as harassment, or further hurting victims of domestic and family violence.”

The consultation paper is accessible here, while submissions can be made here.