Legal Research

The Internet and exploitation

By Shaunna Mireau

“The Internet is an open door to knowledge, entertainment, communication – and exploitation.”

This quote is in R. v. Legare, 2009 SCC 56, Justice Fish writing for the unanimous majority (at para 1) (emphasis in original).

While I have no wish to write about the facts in this particular matter, it is interesting that a decision about exploitation should be published by the SCC in December.

Unfortunately, the holiday season is often rife with frauds. A grandson in jail scam was recently reported and McAfee has posted an article in their newsroom titled the 12 Scams of Christmas.

There have been numerous amendments to the Criminal Code proposed in the most recent parliamentary session to deal with crimes of the 21st century. Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (identity theft and related misconduct), which is awaiting proclamation; Bill C-46, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Competition Act and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act), still in progress in the House; Bill C-47 An Act regulating telecommunications facilities to support investigations (Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act), also in progress. While it is important to keep legislation up to date with the current issues faced by society, it would be much better if these measures were not necessary.

The internet is an open door to knowledge, entertainment, and communication, but as the folks at McAfee suggest use common sense when buying and giving this holiday season.

Full post as published by Slaw.ca on December 03, 2009 (boomark / email).