Proposed Canadian Law Would Let Police Snoop On What You Do Online

Proposed New Law Would Let Police Snoop On What You Do Online

The bill, with the unwieldy name of “An Act Regulating Telecommunications Facilities to Support Investigations,” would allow police to force your ISP to hand over any records of your emails, chat room conversations, website history or surfing habits to authorities without a warrant.

Police across the country contend it’s a necessity because the Worldwide Web has become a haven for criminals, pedophiles, terrorists, drug dealers and scam artists, who use its anonymity and the current regulations to plot and commit criminal acts that take advantage of the public.

They point out the old laws were written in a time before the world had ever dreamed of something called “the Internet” and that new rules are needed to fight new enemies and the technology they employ.

“It makes crimes easier to commit but harder to investigate,” explains Justice Minister Rob Nicholson.

While some are taking the old “if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear” route, the idea of granting near carte blanche access to the online habits of Canadians is very disturbing to others, no matter what the reason.

Privacy advocates are up in arms about the proposed change, arguing it will let law enforcement agencies run amok on your rights, and give cops the green light to see what you’re up to armed with nothing more than their suspicions.

How easy would it be for a Canadian cop to help his buddy south of the border with an investigation?

But then again, Bush and Congress made sure elements in the federal government received the same ability back when the Patroit Act was passed. So no worries Canada, welcome to the world of 1984.