Sydney, Aug. 23 (ANI): New laws in Australia will allow authorities to collect and monitor citizens' Internet records, including their web-browsing history, social media activity and e-mails.

Under the new laws, Australian state and federal police will have the power to compel TELCOS and Internet service providers to retain the Internet records of people suspected of cyber-based crimes, including fraud and child pornography.

However, the law enforcement agencies will not be able to see the information until they have secured a warrant.

According to the Age, the laws, which will specifically target suspected cyber criminals, do not have the power as separate proposed laws made to retain every Australian's Internet history for two years in the name of national security.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said the laws would help police track cyber criminals globally and give authorities the power to find people engaged in forgery, fraud, child pornography and infringement of copyright and intellectual property, the report said.

They also will allow Australia to join the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, which has 34 members, Roxon said.

Cyber crime is a growing threat that touches all aspects of modern life, Roxon said, adding: It poses complex policy and law enforcement challenges, partly due to the transnational nature of the Internet. (ANI)