Police will have the powers to ask a telecommunications service provider to “freeze” data in their possession that may be subject to an investigation.
Failure to do so will warrant a fine of $100,000. This is stated in the draft Police Bill 2020 which is now open for public submissions.
“Any police officer of or above the rank of sergeant may issue a written notice to any service provider in a prescribed form to preserve or freeze any data in their possession, which is subject to any investigation.
“A service provider, upon whom such notice has been served shall, without delay, comply with the provisions of such notice.
“Any service provider who fails to comply with any provisions of subsection (1) commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000.”
