Australia has agreed with the United States to share digital data that will ease the investigation of cyber crimes that include ransomware attacks, terrorism, cyber extortion, child ab$se and banking related frauds that include crimes involving cryptocurrency.
The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, that was passed by Congress in 2018, endorsed the agreement.
DOJ released a press statement regarding the law stating that the CLOUD agreement will supervise and purview the process of crime investigations made by the law enforcement agencies of both countries.
In simple words, the act will formalize the electronic data sharing between two countries for prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of heinous crimes that include digital infiltration into critical infrastructure by adversaries.
So, from now on, ISPs and Telecom operators of Australia and North America will have to abide by cross-border data transfers made with the police of both countries if/when the need arises while probing down crime incidents.
Karen Andrews, the Minister for Australian Home Affairs, stated that the cooperation will help keep communities safe without sabotaging their integrity or causing harm to the beliefs, principles and dominion of both nations.
Note 1– CLOUD Act is yet to get the approval of Parliamentarians and Congress Committees of both countries and is currently under review.
Note 2- The new agreement will allow extradition of criminals found guilty in the jurisdiction of either country with/without the requirement of minimal court intervention.
