The Modernization of Investigative Techniques Act has been proposed by the government to require internet companies to give confidential information on their users to CSIS and police. The information, which includes the name, address and phone number and/or cell phone number of the subscriber, would allow the authorities to locate a subscriber's computer.
Cellphone and internet companies would be required by the bill to add surveillance hardware and software equipment to their networks.
The Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan maintains however that it is simply an updating of the three decades old wiretap legislation. This bill, at the time, was widely criticized by civil libertarians, as it is now, that it may be used by authorities for purposes that it was not intended for.
McLellan added that Canada is behind other countries like the US, Britain and Australia, who have already passed such laws.
Intelligence authorities have been concerned that terrorist organizations use the internet for recruiting and training.
So-called terrorists are likely to use e-mail instead of conventional mail and telephone because of the lack of tracing devices in the system.
Authorities will have to get approval from a judge before they can access the system.