The New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police voiced its support Wednesday for a controversial federal government bill that would allow them quicker access to citizens’ personal electronic information.
Bill C-30, the so-called lawful access bill, was introduced in the House of Commons last week amid controversy that it would give police sweeping power to snoop and go on fishing expeditions.
Fredericton Police Chief Barry MacKnight contends that's not the case.
The proposed online surveillance law would only allow police to get an email and home address, an IP destination and phone numbers, he said.
"The bill would require telecommunications service providers, when we make a request for basic subscriber information, they would have to provide that to us,” said MacKnight.
“That's in the context of a criminal investigation obviously, or some pressing public safety issues.”
The legislation, which was tabled as The Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act, will require telecommunications companies to give police information about their customers without a court order.
It will also require internet service providers and cellphone companies to install equipment for real-time surveillance that would be available to police.
Critics have argued it’s an invasion of privacy and would create a gold mine for hackers.
The bill still has to go through the parliamentary committee process and may face amendments.
It's expected to cost at least $80 million to implement the bill.
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