Telco data retention — 2 years (Part 5-1A Telecommunications Act)

Carriers + CSPs must retain telco metadata for 2 years.

highcurrentongoingCriminal liability

Who must comply

Carriers + CSPs.

What triggers it

Operating a telco service.

When due

Continuous.

Evidence required

Data retention compliance documentation; secure storage; access logs; annual reporting.

Max penalty

Civil + criminal penalties under TIA Act

Summary

Part 5-1A of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 requires carriers + carriage service providers to retain 'telecommunications data' (metadata — not content) for 2 years. Access requires authorisation from designated agencies. Significant cyber-security + privacy obligations attach.

Enforced by

Source legislation

Industries

Topics

telecommunicationsdata-retentionmetadata

Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/national-security/lawful-access-telecommunications. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.