The first prong mandates the disclosure of Internet provider customer information without court oversight. Under current privacy laws, providers may voluntarily disclose customer information but are not required to do so. The new system would require the disclosure of customer name, address, phone number, email address, Internet protocol address, and a series of device identification numbers.

Wow. The key phrase "without court oversight" is indicative of, at every conceivable level, a massive, gaping hole for trucks of corruption to be driven through. Ridiculous abuses.

The second prong requires Internet providers to dramatically re-work their networks to allow for real-time surveillance. The bill sets out detailed capability requirements that will eventually apply to all Canadian Internet providers. These include the power to intercept communications, to isolate the communications to a particular individual, and to engage in multiple simultaneous interceptions. Moreover, the bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory structure for Internet providers that would mandate their assistance with testing their surveillance capabilities and disclosing the names of all employees who may be involved in interceptions (and who may then be subject to RCMP background checks).

Double wow. It seems unnecessarily close to turning each Canadian ISP into another branch of the Canadian government's surveillance agencies. These politicians want to force providers into restructuring their networks and systems so that they can be used as a tool for the Government's every covert whim... AND subject the employees of these providers to background checks so that they can be trusted with this unnecessary, malevolent work shoved in their laps?

Insane.

Canadians really need to be aware of what this election could mean for the internet. OpenMedia.ca is running a campaign of "Vote for Internet" which is interesting, but I don't think they are approaching it in a way that will have any real weight.

Canadians need to make sure that the internet is an election issue, and not just ridiculous stuff like this, we also have to worry about C32 (the copyright bill), internet billing, etc.

What would go wrong in society if the internet and phone system were totally un-tappable by government and people could easily communicate in complete secrecy?

Every government seems to want to intercept communications against the people's wishes. What do they understand that I don't?

I don't really understand why so many politicians are writing laws that make invasions of privacy possible "without a warrant". Why don't they just require a warrant? Then there are checks and balances, and everyone's happy.

Get out there and vote, people. The Conservatives have been far too dangerous with a minority, a majority would be even worse.

And one aspect that no one is touching on is unsecured wireless hotspots. What is the implications of this for Safeway, or any other company that runs a customer friendly wifi access network?

Say goodbye to those conviences as well. ISP's will need waivers for customers running unsecured networks, not to mention potential liability when your supplying wireless devices to your customers.

Like gun control the only people this will punish is law abiding citizens.

I don't have time to work on this, but am willing to do my bit as a citizen. What, besides emailing candidates, would help?