My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) discusses the implications of an Internet that never forgets. I note that the most significant Internet effect during the current campaign has not been any particular online video, website or Facebook group. Instead, it has been the resignation of eight local candidates based on embarrassing or controversial information unearthed online. Many observers have blamed the revelations on inadequate vetting processes, yet the reality is that these incidents shine the spotlight on an important but rarely discussed aspect of the Internet. Old blog postings, chat room discussions, or difficult-to-explain videos are captured by search engine databases and lie dormant until an intrepid searcher comes across it. In other words, the Internet never forgets.
Wiertz Sebastien - Privacy by Sebastien Wiertz (CC BY 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/ahk6nh
Privacy
Canadian Do-Not-Call List Launches Tomorrow
There is considerable media attention today on tomorrow's launch of the National Do-Not-Call List. Starting tomorrow, Canadians will be able to register up to three phone numbers on the DNCL. Organizations will have 31 days to abide by the request. Failure to do so can result in penalties of up […]
Coming to Grips With An Internet That Never Forgets
Appeared in the Toronto Star on September 29, 2008 as Coming to Grips with an Internet That Never Forgets Political parties and analysts have been keeping close watch on the role of the Internet throughout the current election campaign. All parties have beefed up their online presence with countless Facebook […]
Conservative Jewish New Year Card Questions Back
The CBC notes that the Conservatives are again sending out Jewish New Year cards that raise questions about where they obtained the list of names. Update: The Globe and Mail also covers the issue, but misses a more likely source of identity – door-to-door campaigning where the presence of a […]
Digital Issues Deserve a Spot in Election Campaign
With a federal election now set for October 14th, the coming weeks will be dominated by political debate as each party seeks to make their case to voters across the country. My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes that the election mode marks an important role reversal – after months of Canadians working to gain the attention of their elected officials, those same politicians will be knocking on doors, making phone calls, and participating in all-candidates meetings in an effort to seek them out.
The 2008 election therefore presents an exceptional opportunity to raise the profile of digital issues. Not only do these policies touch on so-called core concerns such as the economy, the environment, education, and health care, but they also resonate with younger Canadians, who could help swing the balance of power in many ridings. In the United States election, both Barack Obama and John McCain have unveiled detailed digital policy positions. Canadian leaders have yet to promote their policies, but there are at least five worth watching and asking about.
Recent Posts
Solomon’s Choice: Charting the Future of AI Policy in Canada 
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
