Canadian telecoms push back on proposed police powers

Rogers, TekSavvy, and a consortium of Canadian information technology companies are pushing back against proposed changes to Canada’s national security legislation.

In comments to the federal government, submitted last Thursday as part of a public consultation on national security reforms, the companies argue that Canada’s existing laws governing police powers are adequate, and that the government has not provided enough evidence to justify expanding those powers.

The companies also say the government has not provided specific details on how telecommunications companies would be required to implement some of its most contentious proposals — specifically, systems designed to intercept communications and retain user data long term.

….Rogers and TekSavvy submitted their comments independently, as did the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), and share similar albeit nuanced positions.

Read Full Story