Muslims travelling overseas have been told to clear their mobile phone storage and delete social media threads, messaging apps and violent images as part of official travel advice from a peak Islamic legal body, sparking concerns would-be terrorists were being coached in evading authorities.
Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton has expressed significant concern over the advice, confirming he wrote to the Muslim Legal Network of NSW demanding clarification on “what purpose is served in providing the advice”.
“In the current international climate, I am very concerned this guidance could be interpreted as advice to evade Border Force and conceal illegal activity,” Mr Dutton wrote in the letter, after The Australian brought the tips to his attention. “Australian Border Force protects Australians and non-Australians alike, as they cross our borders every day. It is important that we provide whatever support we can to enable these officers to undertake their duties effectively.”
The travel tips, published in the latest version of the Muslim Legal Network’s guide to Australia’s anti-terrorism laws released this month, suggest those planning to travel overseas conduct a thorough stocktake of their digital footprint. “Know what is stored on your electronic devices, including your laptop, mobile and SIM cards,” it warns.
“Clear out your telephone storage, including WhatsApp and Facebook ... and delete any photos or videos that could be misinterpreted as portraying or encouraging acts of violence.
“Log out of any email, Facebook or other accounts on your laptop of device before travelling.”
It also advises against carrying “questionable images, items or material”.
The guide, called Anti-Terrorism Laws: ASIO, the Police and You, was first published in 2004 in response to a desire within the Muslim community to better understand emerging terror laws, amid concerns they were complex and difficult to understand at the time.
It has since been updated several times, with the latest edition reflecting the introduction of new legislation rolled out since 2014, including the creation of the new offences of advocating terrorism and genocide, travelling to declared areas and new laws that affect citizenship, passports and mandatory metadata retention laws.
The NSW Council for Civil Liberties, whose vice-president, Lesley Lynch, advised on the updated guide, has described the guide as a “terrifically important” publication.
“The 2017 edition incorporates the virtual tsunami of new counter-terrorism laws passed in recent years — significant parts of which the NSWCCL, the Law Council of Australia and many community groups strongly opposed,” Dr Lesley said in a media release. “The guide will help the community understand the reach of current counter-terrorism laws and the powers of ASIO and the Australian Federal Police.”
Deakin University terror expert Greg Barton said although the advice was largely “common sense”, and most likely designed to help innocent people avoid bureaucrat bungling, it could be a concern for counter-terrorism efforts.
“If the advice was to be taken up by people with terrorist connections, it’s problematic for those who are trying to counter that,” Dr Barton said.