The Federal Government is attempting to allow police to hack into computer networks.

The government is this week putting forth a new bill that would allow federal police and crime investigators to take over the accounts of internet users.

The Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission would also be allowed to hack into computer networks and modify or delete content.

Investigators could also crack encrypted messages, devices and software to covertly collect evidence.

The government says the new surveillance laws are needed to expose internet user and hold them to account.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says the laws are aimed at paedophiles and terrorists.

“We are determined to provide our agencies with all reasonable powers necessary to protect the lives of children and to protect the Australian public from criminals acting anonymously online,” he told AAP.

“These key new powers are critical in enabling law enforcement to tackle the fundamental shift in how serious criminality is occurring online.”

The Morrison government is tabling its dark web amendments to the Surveillance Devices Act and Crimes Act on Thursday, but reports say the laws are unlikely to pass through the Senate until next year.