Canadian Bill Would Force ISPs to Hand Over User Data

OTTAWA — Canada is weighing a bold move that would force Internet service providers to reveal subscriber data without a warrant.

“Twenty-first century technology calls for 21st-century tools," Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said in announcing two new bills at a press conference on Thursday.

The Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act and the Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act would require ISPs to install "intercept-capable" equipment on networks and provide authorities with "timely access" to subscriber personal data.

The new law wouldn’t provide authorities with additional intercept powers. Police would still require warrants for communication interception, the government said.

Specifically, the law would:

  • Allow authorities to get access to information on any Internet subscriber, including name, home address or email, all without a warrant.

  • Force ISPs to keep a copy of the data generated by people under investigation on their company hard drives to prevent suspects from deleting anything incriminating or of evidence.

  • Make all telecom companies invest in technology that allows for the interception of Internet communications.

  • Let authorities remotely activate tracking devices that may already be embedded in your cellphone or car without your knowledge.

  • Allow law enforcement to get data on where your communications over the web are coming from and who they're going to.

  • Make it against the law to arrange the sexual exploitation of a child with a second person over the web.

The government said it would subsidize some of the ISPs' costs for the program.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Missouri Republican Behind FOSTA-SESTA Renews Attack on OnlyFans

Rep. Ann Wagner, the Missouri Republican legislator who was the original architect of FOSTA-SESTA, has renewed her call for federal action against OnlyFans.

Idaho Legislature Passes Republican Age Verification Bill With Full Democratic Support

The Idaho legislature has passed the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Pre-Nom Period for 2024 XBIZ Creator Awards Ends Monday

The deadline for pre-nomination entries for the 2024 XBIZ Creator Awards is Monday, March 18 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Partners With Anti-Porn Lobby NCOSE

Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued a press statement last week prominently highlighting her partnership with religiously-inspired anti-porn lobby NCOSE, an organization that seeks to criminalize all sex work and eradicate adult content, and that has an extensive, well-documented history of championing state censorship and opposing LGBTQ+ rights.

Age Verification Trade Group Weighs In on UK Consultation

The Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA) filed earlier this month its response to U.K. media regulator Ofcom's consultation soliciting feedback on the regulation of adult websites under Part 5 of the Online Safety Act.

WIPO Rules in Favor of Clips4Sale, Orders Transfer of Infringing Website

A World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) panel has issued a decision ruling against a Russia-based website operator accused of infringing on intellectual property belonging to clip site Clips4Sale.

Indiana Governor Signs Controversial Age Verification Bill Into Law

Indiana’s Republican governor, Eric Holcomb, has signed into law the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

India Censors 18 Social Media Platforms as 'Obscene'

The conservative Hindu nationalist government of Narendra Modhi has blocked 18 social media platforms in India, claiming they “promoted obscenity and vulgarity under the guise of ‘creative expression.’”

ECP Marks Anniversary of Aylo Acquisition With Emphasis on Trust, Safety

Aylo and Ethical Capital Partners released statements on Thursday commemorating the first anniversary of ECP's acquisition of technology and media company Aylo, owner of a large portfolio of adult online entertainment properties.

Pornhub Blocks Access in Texas Over Age Verification

Aylo has blocked access to Pornhub in Texas as of Thursday morning, following the decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upholding the state’s controversial age verification law.

Show More