Canada's Constitution bars authorities from forcing Internet providers to turn over the identities of customers without a warrant, the Supreme Court ruled Friday in a decision that better protects online anonymity.
Privacy advocates say the ruling makes unconstitutional a Conservative government bill currently before Parliament that would broaden the ability of police to monitor online traffic. The legislation, which would amend existing laws covering search warrants and other investigative techniques, is intended to combat cyberbullying, but critics say it would allow excessive online spying.
The high court handed down an unanimous ruling Friday in the case of Matthew David Spencer, convicted of possessing child pornography by a Saskatchewan provincial court.