Post #1903682

But if you can't wait... -/1 Australia is deeply engaged in discussions with the United States about handing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — and the militia-like ICE — access to Australians’ biometric data, documents obtained under freedom of information (FOI) show. They also reveal that the US grab for our most unique personal information is significantly wider in scope than indicated by other countries’ negotiations with the US. For months, Crikey has been engaged in a laborious effort to make the Albanese government admit that it is in discussions to hand the Trump administration access to Australians’ biometric data under what will be called an Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP), demanded by the US government of all countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program. While the lead agency involved in the discussions, the Department of Home Affairs, has refused to admit its involvement and is slow-walking its response to our FOI queries, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has been more forthcoming. Slightly. #AusPol