Wiertz Sebastien - Privacy by Sebastien Wiertz (CC BY 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/ahk6nh

Wiertz Sebastien - Privacy by Sebastien Wiertz (CC BY 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/ahk6nh

Privacy

The ISP Privacy Pledge

The ISP Privacy Pledge, an initiative from CIPPIC and Online Rights Canada, has generated some interesting debate this week.  Mark Goldberg criticizes the pledge, arguing that it encourages ISPs to look the other way as part of police investigations, fails to address corporate abuses of personal information, and supports a "digital exemption" to laws and justice.  I think that Alec Saunders does a great job of rebutting Goldberg's position by focusing on the potential for law enforcement abuse, but I wanted to add two additional comments.

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October 5, 2006 5 comments News

Sony Hit With Privacy and Consumer Protection Complaints

As Sony seeks court approval of its class action settlement today (word is that the judge took note of the objections to the settlement and asked the parties to go back and try to address the concerns, likely leading to some modest amendments), CIPPIC has filed an avalanche of complaints […]

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September 21, 2006 1 comment News

30 Days of DRM: 30 Things You Can Do

Update (December 3, 2007) – I have posted a newly updated version of what you can do in light of the forthcoming Canadian DMCA. The posting includes a YouTube video, a Facebook group, and updated contact information.

Update (November 29/07): With a Canadian DMCA seemingly imminent, the importance of speaking out has never been more important. Some details on the likely new bill can be found here.  I've updated the 30 Things You Can Do to reflect the new Ministers. 

The House of Commons is back in session and, as I promised last month, the 30 Days of DRM project has now concluded.  The postings remain accessible via the 30 Days of DRM page, the wiki, and a new PDF version that incorporates all postings into a single document.

The project generated considerable commentary online and lots of email offline.  The most frequently asked question provides reason for optimism as many people simply asked "what can I do?"  I typically responded that the best starting point was to write to their local Member of Parliament.  Upon reflection, there is more that can be done and to that end, I offer up 30 things you can do about the issues raised by the 30 days of DRM project.

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September 18, 2006 21 comments News

PIPEDA and Order Making Power

The deadline for submissions to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada's PIPEDA review consultation passed yesterday (given that I sit on the Commissioner's advisory board I did not enter a submission).  The consultation raises a number of key issues including order making power, reporting mechanisms, and general strengthening of the national […]

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September 8, 2006 2 comments News

Australia A.G. Releases Draft TPM Legislation

While Canada is still weeks or months from new legislation (hence the 30 Days of DRM project), Australia's Attorney General has just released draft anti-circumvention legislation.  Australia faces different circumstances from Canada since its free trade agreement with the U.S. requires new laws by the end of the year.  The […]

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September 4, 2006 2 comments News