Conservative MP Introduces 'Clean Internet Act'

[Meng Cheah]

http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/1884/125/

"Conservative MP Joy Smith <http://www.joysmith.ca/> yesterday 
introduced 
<http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=1&DocId=2842428#SOB-2010623> 
the Clean Internet Act (Bill C-427) 
<http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=1&Mode=1&Pub=Bill&Doc=C-427_1&File=24#1>.  
The private member's bill would establish an Internet service provider 
licensing system to be administered by the CRTC along with "know your 
subscriber" requirements and content blocking powers.  Just about 
everything associated with this bill is (to be charitable) rather odd.  
Smith introduced it by warning against the use of the Internet to 
support human trafficking and added that "the bill would address the 
fact that child pornography is not okay to put on the Internet 
throughout our nation," though the Criminal Code already does that.

The bill itself includes (and I am not making this up):

    * an ISP licensing system to be administered by the CRTC that is
      defined so broadly that it would seemingly capture anyone offering
      a wifi connection
    * a "know your subscriber" requirement where ISPs would be required
      to deny service to past offenders (though the ISP would escape
      liability if upon learning of an offending customer, it terminated
      service and notified the Minister of Industry)
    * a new power that would allow the Minister of Industry to order an
      ISP to block access to content that promotes violence against
      women, promotes hatred, or contains child pornography.  ISPs that
      fail to block face possible jail time for the company's directors
      and officers.
    * the Minister of Industry can prescribe special powers to
      facilitate searches of electronic data systems (ie. lawful access)"




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