(Canada) Internet surveillance act aims to protect children, critics question privacy ethics

Steven Harper is likely still recoiling from the barrage of criticism his 'Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act'. According to CBC News, "Section 17 of the 'Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act' outlines 'exceptional circumstances' under which 'any police officer' can ask an ISP to turn over personal client information."

Needless to say this is a very scary reality we are being faced with. The fact that this is being proposed initially as a means to combat internet pedophiles clearly shows that Mr. Harper is trying to sell this to the public by packaging it as something in our better interests. Clearly we need to safeguard children from abuse in any form, however this proposed act is not the way.

If the government is willing to work alongside the public and internet service providers, perhaps new innovative methods may be developed to achieve a solution that is in the best interest of the law-abiding public. Until that happens I am officially against government internet spying. If you feel the same way, please take a moment to sign this online petition and let your voice be part of the collective!

- JM