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Kiwis could be caught in Pacific spying

Author
Annabel Reid ,
Publish Date
Fri, 6 Mar 2015, 7:20AM
John Key (NZME)
John Key (NZME)

Kiwis could be caught in Pacific spying

Author
Annabel Reid ,
Publish Date
Fri, 6 Mar 2015, 7:20AM

Updated 11.05am: Concern's growing around whether Kiwis could unwittingly be caught in the alleged spying on the Pacific.

Snowden files claim the GCSB is undertaking mass surveillance on Pacific Island nations.

InternetNZ acting chief executive, Andrew Cushen says Kiwis on holiday shouldn't have to be worried about who's reading their texts to home.

"Whereby people can be caught up in these mass surveillance driftnets, just because they are overseas and want to communicate with their families."

Andrew Cushen says if the allegations are true, the private communications of visiting Kiwis could be accessed.

"They never know they are targeted outside of New Zealand. There could be New Zealanders caught up in that activity while they are outside of the country."

Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman has lodged a complaint with the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security over the matter.

He argues that unless the GCSB deliberately excluded Kiwis overseas, it's broken the law.

"Then there's no question that the GCSB acted illegally by hoovering up New Zealander's data and passing it on."

John Key won't comment on the GCSB's activities but says there's no mass surveillance on New Zealanders.

Pacific Nations react

Mixed reaction among Pacific leaders under our spying agency's watchful eye.

The news the GCSB has been spying on many of our closest neighbours has ruffled some feathers with the Tongan Prime Minister calling the move a breach of trust.

Akilisi Pohovia's says he'll be raising the issue with John Key, though he adds Tonga has nothing to hide.

On the other hand, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has lashed out at the sensationalist coverage in support of the spying agency's work.

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