Post Tagged with: "security"

“Enhanced” Licence May Enhance Privacy and Security Risks

This week the Ontario legislature will resume debate on Bill 85, proposed legislation that could lead to the creation of an "enhanced drivers licence" in the province (referred to as an EDL).  My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version)  notes that the introduction of the new licence – which will also be available as a photo card for non-drivers – has received little public attention despite the urgent concerns expressed by privacy commissioners and civil liberties groups.  Indeed, barring an unlikely change of plans, the legislation could be passed within a matter of days.

The primary impetus behind the EDL is the increased border security measures between Canada and the United States.  As the U.S. increased identity card requirements for entry into the country (passports are now required at most border crossings), government officials in both countries have sought to develop an alternative to the passport. The EDL, which will embed new technologies including a radio frequency identification device (RFID) within the card, is the outcome of that work.  While the enhanced card will be optional, it is expected that many residents may pay the extra fee for the EDL.  Moreover, Ontarians will not be alone in this regard as other provinces and U.S. states have similar plans.  As Ontario moves closer to an EDL with this new legislation, the concern from the privacy and civil liberties communities – who point to three overarching concerns – have continued to mount.

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November 17, 2008 19 comments Columns

“Enhanced” Licence May Enhance Privacy, Security Risks

Appeared in the Toronto Star on November 17, 2008 as 'Enhanced' Licence Could Boost Privacy, Security Risks This week the Ontario legislature will resume debate on Bill 85, proposed legislation that could lead to the creation of an "enhanced drivers licence" in the province (referred to as an EDL).  The […]

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November 17, 2008 Comments are Disabled Columns Archive

Canadian Cyber-Security Strategy on the Way

The CBC reports that a Canadian cyber-security strategy may be unveiled this fall.

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October 10, 2008 1 comment News

61 Reforms to C-61, Day 25: TPMs – Research Exception Limited to Encryption and Security Testing

Bill C-61 includes two exceptions relevant for researchers: an exception at Section 41.13 limited to encryption research (unlike the U.S. DMCA, encryption research is not defined) and security testing at Section 41.15, which could be construed to include security research on computer or network vulnerabilities.  The impact of the anti-circumvention […]

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July 25, 2008 6 comments News

iOptOut.ca Adds SSL Encryption

iOptOut.ca has now been used by tens of thousands of Canadians since its launch a couple of weeks ago.  Many people asked for secure data entry via SSL encryption and we've now added that for additional security.

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April 18, 2008 1 comment News