Metadata checks were also used in 2004 to find the alleged leaker of Department of Veterans' Affairs material to reporters Michael Harvey and Gerard McManus, according to the Herald Sun. Both reporters refused to name their source and in June 2007 were convicted of contempt of court and fined $7000. Less controversial requests include Bankstown Council in NSW using metadata to find and fine litterbugs, and a council in Perth using it to track down illegal car dealers. There are many more examples. Given this, do we really want councils, the RSPCA, the AFP and others agencies having warrantless access to this data, especially considering we ourselves can't access it?
Ben Grubb for the Age: 'Spies can access my metadata, so why can't I? My 15-month legal battle with Telstra'
