SYDNEY -- Following the introduction of controversial spy laws, Australians have decided to pen some personal responses to their buddies at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
The problem? ASIO probably already knows.
Using the hashtag #HeyASIO, the public are having their say on what exactly they think about the bill approved by the Australian Senate overnight to give Australia's spy agency extreme powers to monitor computer networks.
There are concerns about the wide-reaching new powers, as the bill does not establish the definition of a "network" and allows for ASIO to access third-party computers to reach the targeted computer. This means essentially the entire internet is an open playing field for Aussie spies.
Leveraging the power of social media and humour, Australians are making it clear they won't let this pass unnoticed. ASIO might now have a hard time wading through the interference to find their targets.
#heyASIO I hafta confess I did something terribly #unaustralian: I made vegan sausage rolls for a barbie one time back in 2012.
— Soon-Tzu Speechley (@speechleyish) September 26, 2014
#heyASIO, I don't know you and this is crazy so don't track my number or call me maybe?
— GetUp! (@GetUp) September 26, 2014
#HeyASIO, will the next story I publish get me sent to jail for 10 years for just doing my job as a journo
— Asher Wolf (@Asher_Wolf) September 26, 2014
#HeyASIO Can I say ASIO deleted my homework instead of the dog ate it now?
— Wolf Cocklin (@wolfcat) September 26, 2014
#heyASIO I only bought Afghani bread because Jamie Oliver told me too. I think he is a very real threat to our way of life.
— justine donohoe (@justinedonohoe) September 26, 2014
#HeyASIO I swear to god I was only looking up hot firemen just then for a story later today.
— Elias Jahshan (@Elias_Jahshan) September 26, 2014
#HeyASIO when you get your 1 Warrant sees all Interwebz, call first, no need to bash down door, thanks in advance :) http://t.co/FctlFIFOtQ
— Meta Cranky Noely (@YaThinkN) September 26, 2014
#HeyASIO I'll give you the dirt on lefty journos if you could please just tell me where I left my damn keys.
— Chris Leese (@Chris_Leese) September 26, 2014
#heyASIO i forgot my tinder login details can you help
— Sancratic Method (@fivewalls) September 26, 2014
#HeyASIO, please don't tell anyone I sometimes drink wine straight out of the bottle. It can be our little secret, right?
— Sharna Bremner (@sharnatweets) September 26, 2014
#heyasio there's a very suspicious looking ibis sitting about two feet away from me, I'm going to need back-up
— finncandescent (@oh_pies) September 26, 2014
Every breath you take, Every move you make, Every bond you break, Every step you take. #HeyASIO will be watching you.
— GetUp! (@GetUp) September 26, 2014
Walked outside. There's a guy just sitting in a tree. I said "mate, what are you doing?" He said "shh, special branch." #HeyASIO
— Rhys Muldoon (@rhysam) September 26, 2014