Online surveillance legislation latest development in ever-evolving cyber liability risks

Recent legislation tabled in the House of Commons on Feb. 14, would allow law enforcement to monitor consumers’ telecommunications and Internet usage and reminds underwriters that the area of cyber liability is constantly evolving and far reaching, said Lynn Oldfield, president and CEO of Chartis Insurance Canada.

Oldfield offered the keynote address during the Property Casualty Underwriters Club luncheon in Toronto on Feb. 15.

“There is a raging debate in this country right now about new legislation [Bill C-30, ‘The Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act’] that has just been introduced on the [House of Commons] floor that would give police in this country more access to your cell phone records and your telecommunications lines, so that they can adequately protect our children against Internet pornographers and child predators,” she said.

The privacy commissioner has weighed in, claiming that the powers granted under the proposed legislation are far too intrusive under Canada’s robust privacy laws.

“So folks, this is an evolving area — literally, with major developments this week. And we don’t know where Canada is going to land with this new legislation, but it behoves us as risk underwriters to understand the issues, educate ourselves and stay current.”