Australia may inadvertently fuel cyber crime, says data theft victim service

FILE PHOTO: A delegate uses his laptop during a break in sessions at a venue in Sydney, Australia, March 17, 2016. REUTERS/David Gray/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian government-backed service for victims of identity theft blasted a plan to toughen privacy laws amid an explosion of online data theft, saying it would spur compromised companies to pay ransom and invite more hacking.

IDCare, a non-profit that helps internet crime victims, said by making it easier for regulators to fine companies for poor data security and failing to criminalise ransom payment, Australia may inadvertently fuel a cyber-crimewave.