The Australian Border Force (ABF) has rejected recent media and social media claims that it installed tracking or monitoring software on a traveller’s mobile device.
In a statement, the ABF said no software was put onto the mobile device of the person concerned.
“The ABF does not install software on mobile devices during an examination,” the statement said.
“ABF officers play a vital role in keeping Australians safe by identifying travellers arriving and departing at the border who may be of concern for immigration, customs, biosecurity, health, law-enforcement or national security reasons.”
The statement said ABF officers had legislative powers under the Customs Act 1901 to conduct baggage examinations and to question travellers to identify breaches of certain customs, quarantine and other Commonwealth legislation.
“This includes powers to examine documents stored on electronic devices in accordance with Section 186 of the Act,” the statement said.
“Amendments were made to Section 186 in 1999 that specifically provided that the powers include examination of documents, including electronic documents.”
The ABF said any passenger with concerns about questioning or examination should raise these with the officer or their supervisor at the time of questioning, and could provide feedback on the ABF website.
“All complaints are acknowledged, taken seriously and where necessary investigated,” the statement said.
