TORONTO – A coalition of Canadian academics and consumer groups are asking the country’s biggest telecommunications service providers to divulge the extent to which they pass on their customers’ private information to government agencies when asked.
Spearheaded by Toronto-based researcher Dr. Christopher Parsons, the organization sent letters to 16 different companies this week, including Bell, Rogers, Cogeco, Shaw, Telus and Videotron, asking them to respond to questions on their data retention and sharing policies. The telcos were asked to respond or commit to responding by March 3, 2014.
“Specifically, we are asking how, when, and why your company discloses information to government agencies”, reads the letter, dated January 20. “Your responses are needed to make informed public policy decisions about how best to protect Canadians’ security as well as their privacy, and the responses given will be made public.”
The letters are signed by a number of Canadian university professors as well as the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, the B.C. Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, Pen Canada and OpenMedia.ca.
“Canadians’ digital lives are channelled through the systems and networks of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies. However, Canadian citizens presently have little information concerning how, when, and why these companies disclose telecommunications information pertaining to their subscribers to government agencies”, said Dr. Parsons, in a statement on Wednesday. “With data on Canadian practices in hand, scholars, advocates, and regular Canadians alike will be able to knowledgeably shape public policy on how best for our governments to protect Canadians’ security and privacy.”
“Our policy is that we require a properly executed warrant to disclose customer information.” – Rogers
When contacted by Cartt.ca, both Rogers and Bell acknowledged the letter and reiterated their respective commitment to customer privacy.
“We take privacy matters very seriously and comply with all regulations”, said Rogers’ spokesperson Patricia Trott, in an emailed response. “Our policy is that we require a properly executed warrant to disclose customer information.”
Bell spokesperson Jacqueline Michelis echoed those sentiments and confirmed that Bell is reviewing the letter’s demands.
“Bell takes our customers’ privacy very seriously – it’s a top priority. We don’t share customer data with government without valid legal authority, such as a warrant”, she said.
OpenMedia.ca executive director Steve Anderson says that the request for information comes amidst allegations that some U.S. telecom companies are helping the U.S. government “spy” on their customers.
“I wish the (Canadian) government would come clean on warrantless spying on innocent Canadians, but hopefully the telecom companies will be more forthcoming knowing the potential damage to their brand if they don’t respond”, he said in a statement.
