Public Knowledge's Sherwin Siy with a good piece on some of the problems with ACTA. As Sherwin rightly notes, "ACTA's status as a trade negotiation seems less based in the nature of its substance than in the convenience that this designation provides."
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RCMP Arrests Man For Modifying Game Console
The RCMP has arrested a Quebec man after a seizure uncovered hundreds of counterfeit video games. The RCMP release states that "modifying a console and computer is considered an illegal act under Section 342.1 of the Criminal Code and is punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years."
Transcript of Canadian Heritage Committee Hearing on New Media Posted
The transcript of my recent appearance on new media before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage has now been posted. The discussion focused on a wide range of topics including copyright, Amazon, and the private copying levy.
State Farm Challenges Constitutionality of Canadian Privacy Law
Later this month, the Federal Court of Canada will hear a case in Halifax that threatens Canada's privacy law framework. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. is contesting the constitutional validity of Canada's private sector privacy legislation (PIPEDA), arguing it oversteps the federal government's jurisdictional power. My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) argues that if successful, PIPEDA would no longer apply to thousands of Canadian businesses and new legislation such as the Electronic Commerce Protection Act (ECPA) would be imperilled.
The case stems from a dispute over an insurance claim arising from a March 2005 automobile accident. Gerald Gaudet, the injured party, asked State Farm to provide copies of all names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone to whom it disclosed his personal information (State Farm had used a private investigator to conduct surveillance on Gaudet). After State Farm refused to disclose the information, Gaudet filed a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
The Privacy Commissioner proceeded to launch an investigation into the case, asking State Farm to provide it with the requested information. The insurance company again refused, leading to the Federal Court case.
Government Plans National Digital Economy Consultation
The Canadian Press reports that the government plans to launch a national digital economy strategy consultation, with a discussion paper inviting public comment to be announced shortly.
Recent Posts
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 232: What Will Canadian Digital Policy Look Like Under the New Liberal Carney Government? 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 231: Sara Bannerman on How Canadian Political Parties Maximize Voter Data Collection and Minimize Privacy Safeguards 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 230: Aengus Bridgman on the 2025 Federal Election, Social Media Platforms, and Misinformation 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 229: My Digital Access Day Keynote – Assessing the Canadian Digital Policy Record 
Queen’s University Trustees Reject Divestment Efforts Emphasizing the Importance of Institutional Neutrality
