Federal Cybersecurity Bill Threatens Privacy, Transparency, Civil Society Group Says

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Several civil society groups are calling for changes in the Liberal government’s policy. cyber security He said the bill would undermine privacy, accountability and judicial transparency.

In an open letter to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, the group and prominent researchers call for substantial amendments to ensure the law works effectively cyber security Protect while respecting democratic principles.

Signatories include the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, Ligue des droits et libertés and OpenMedia.

Governments want to establish a framework to better protect systems critical to national security and to give authorities new tools to respond to emerging dangers in cyberspace.

Under the bill introduced in June, major players in the banking and telecommunications industries will be among those in need of strengthening. cyber security Report a digital attack or possibly face penalties.

The bill proposes to give regulators the ability to enforce action through audit powers and fines, allowing for criminal penalties for non-compliance.

“All residents of Canada cyber security”said the letter to Mendicino. “But civil liberties, privacy, trust in the rule of law and accountable governance are the foundations of that comfort.”

The group said the bill would allow the government to:

— Imposing new oversight obligations on private companies. This has long been rejected by the general public as a violation of their right to privacy.

— Prohibit individuals or companies from obtaining certain services under secret orders.

— collect broad categories of information from operators that pose risks to personal data;

— Impose penalties for violations without appropriate limits to prevent abuse.When

— Cover orders in secrecy without mandatory public reporting requirements or appropriate safeguards if the order is reconsidered in court.

The Group also states that the law requires communication security agencies, federal government cyber security Electronic monitoring agencies acquire and analyze data from banks, credit unions, telecommunications and energy providers, and even some transportation agencies.

“The use of this information by the CSE will cyber security Aspects of that mission, and any use, are subject to post-mortem review rather than real-time monitoring, leading to serious deficiencies in democratic accountability.”

Jim Bronskill

canadian press

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