|
 |
| |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Introduction
Guest host Suhana Meharchand's introduction to the June 21, 2009 program:
"Do police need more power to track criminals by monitoring our internet usage?"
You've probably used the acronym LOL in your text messages and e-mails...your kids have probably used POS...it warns their friends of a parent over shoulder. Today we're talking about GOS...government over shoulder.
On Thursday the federal government tabled new legislation that would give more powers to police and CSIS in tracking people's activities online. The new laws aim to make it easier for police and intelligence officers to intercept online communications and get personal information about Internet subscribers.
Critics say it's a slippery slope ...that police must show strong evidence they need extra powers before we hand them over. They worry that eventually authorities will be trolling through our e-mail and text messages and monitoring the websites we visit.
The government says it's simply bringing our laws into the 21st century ...that other countries have adopted similar laws to fight criminals who have adapted very quickly to new technology ...which they're using to beat the police.
The new laws would allow police, without a warrant, to obtain personal information about customers from Internet service providers...your name, where you live, your email and Internet addresses. Although the contents of the communications would not be available to police without a warrant, the laws would force companies to store all data for their customers in the event the police do obtain a warrant to access that content.
The laws would also require companies that provide network services such as internet, voice-over-the-Internet, cellphone and other wireless device services, to ensure communications made with the devices can be intercepted by police.
For example, police say Blackberrys are the cellphone of choice for criminals (and also U.S. President Obama) because the communications are so secure. The legislation would require communications companies to ensure their devices are open to police interception. That worries legitimate businesses who want secure communications that are not open to tapping by competitors.
The laws would also allow police to remotely activate tracking devices that are already installed in cars and cellphones ..such as GPS programs ...enabling them to follow certain individuals electronically. Some parents already use these kinds of features with their children.
What do you think about this?
Do you worry about the police having more powers to track your activities online? Does it sound a bit like Big Brother?
Or, do you think the growth of child pornography and the dangers posed by organized crime and terrorists demand that police get an extra edge?
I'm Suhana Meharchand, and this is Cross Country Checkup, on CBC Radio One and on Sirius satellite radio channel 137.
|
|
|
|
|
