Report: ‘Lawful Access’ Laws Threaten Canadian ISPs

LOS ANGELES — The shifting Internet playing field is creating a variety of issues for operators in all arenas, including small web hosts that could be priced into extinction.

One such example comes from Canada, where reports indicate that among other factors, costs associated with implementing proposed Internet surveillance laws could harm and potentially bankrupt smaller Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

According to The Huffington Post, three pieces of legislation that are now pending before Canada’s Parliament would vastly expand law enforcement’s legal ability to collect various forms of intelligence online; such as compelling ISPs to reveal subscriber information, including names, email addresses and phone numbers, without a warrant.

It is a provision requiring ISPs to install real time network monitoring equipment that will allow law enforcement to monitor a suspect’s Internet access and communications as they happen, however, that is worrying the Canadian Network Operators’ Consortium —  a trade body representing more than two dozen ISPs.

Many CNOC members are small to mid-size ISPs with limited financial resources.

“The degree of network monitoring and surveillance they’re asking for is alarming in terms of its costs,” CNOC President Bill Sandiford, who also serves as president of ISP Telnet, stated. “If [some of these] small ISPs need to spend $1 million to be compliant … that could mean the end of them.”

“We’ve co-operated with law enforcement many, many times over the years,” Sandiford stated, adding, “Who’s going to compensate us for this?”

A revised version of the proposals is expected to be introduced later this year.

“The legislation has been condemned by many digital rights activists — as well as provincial and federal privacy commissioners — as a potentially dangerous expansion of police power,” Daniel Tencer wrote for The Huffington Post, “and as the thin end of the wedge to an unaccountable surveillance state.”

Regardless of the final outcome of this legislation or any impact it may have on ISPs, it stands as another example of the global uptick in legislation aimed at monitoring and controlling how people use the Internet; as well as an example of the growing barriers to entry and operation presented by this maturing marketplace.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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 AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Pineapple Support to Launch 'Wellbeing by PS' Initiative

Pineapple Support has announced its Wellbeing by PS initiative, naming new team member Amber Madden to head the project.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

Show More