OTTAWA – The federal public safety minister says Canadians need to consider how far police should be allowed to go in accessing their electronic devices and communications.
Ralph Goodale says a federal review of cybersecurity will provide a chance to discuss a proposal from Canada’s police chiefs for a new law that would compel people to hand over passwords with a judge’s consent.
“Broadly speaking, the intersection between the value and virtues of absolute privacy and encryption, and the legitimate needs of investigation … has not been the subject of any advanced discussion in Canada,” Goodale told reporters.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police says the new law is needed to fight criminals in cyberspace who increasingly use tools to hide their identities and communications.
READ MORE: Can law enforcement legally access data on your smartphone in Canada?
Goodale acknowledges that devices like smartphones contain a wealth of personal data and can reveal much more about a person than an ordinary physical search might.
But he adds that while Canadians value their privacy, they also want police to have the necessary tools to investigate crimes.
The Liberals launched a cybersecurity consultation this week that runs through mid-October.
-With files from Global News
- Fall COVID-19 vaccine guidelines are out. Here’s what NACI recommends
- Thousands of Canada’s rail workers have a strike mandate. What happens now?
- Some 2019 candidates ‘appeared willing’ to engage with foreign interference: Hogue inquiry
- Bird flu: Experts urge more surveillance in Canada — before it’s too late
Comments