We Have Ways... Of Spying On You!

[icyfroth]

NSW and federal law enforcement agencies have been given the power to access the travel history and home addresses of hundreds of thousands of commuters using the new Opal card.

Without a warrant, agencies including the police, Centrelink, the Taxation Office and even local councils have the ability to request access to personal information kept on databases linked to the card when investigating crimes like murders, welfare fraud, tax evasion or even littering.

Already in Queensland and Victoria, authorities have asked transport departments for access to records kept on smartcard systems for their investigations.

Since 2006, Queensland Go Card smartcards have been accessed 10,966 times. The majority of requests were made by police with most approved.

NSW Police have yet to exercise the powers given to them as the new Opal card system continues to be rolled out across the transport network.

But they now have the power to follow the digital footprint for every train, bus or ferry journey taken by Opal card users.

Entire Article Here

You wouldn't want that sort of information to fall into the wrong hands, would you?

[icyfroth]

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@purple_haize wrote:

in Melbourne they have the Myki card for travelling..............it has to be topped up every so often or you cant travel...........is this Opal card the same thing?

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possibly, I don't know. I rarely travel by public transport. When I do, I use a travelcard, but I'm wondering if they'll be phased out eventually and the opal card become the only option.

[purple_haize]

Thanks Icy, I dont travel by public transport either but my stepson does and a Myki card is needed for all forms of travel and needs topping up, before it runs out.

I have never heard of the Opal Card, so maybe it is just a NSW thing.

[icyfroth]

Yes it's a NSW thing being phased in. I'm sure other states will have an equivalent though.

[lloydslights]

Remember way back when we had the opportunity at a general election, to vote for/against an Australia Card.  An invasion of privacy it was speculated.  

All the cards we now carry constitute an Aussie Card, in my opinion.  Big Brother is watching.

DEB

[cherry*135]

NSW (Sydney Trains, buses,ferries) are very behind the times implementing this Opal card system compared to other cities.

Initial OPAL card ordered must be ordered online with minimum of $40. Topups online minimum $40. From $10 at retailers.

Not a very good deal for tourists having to shell out $40 initially.

This is good:  On Sunday travel all day, on any mode of transport, for no more than $2.50.

[icyfroth]

that'd be about right.

[annies_fancy_dress]

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@icyfroth wrote:

that'd be about right.

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Nice looking rails, but putting one of ultra fast, slippery, sleek silver things on our rails????? Me thinks we need our rails overhauled first!

[icyfroth]

Think of the employment it would create.