State Surveillance
The Issue
Documents released by Edward Snowden have revealed a degree of state surveillance that exceeds almost everyone’s worst fears. What is unknown are the full effects pervasive surveillance is having on individual action and decision-making and the viability of our democratic institutions.
Why It Matters
Intellectual privacy is essential for free expression. It is the privacy that shields us from surveillance as we generate and explore ideas, discuss them with confidants, and prepare to express our thoughts and engage in action in our everyday lives and in the public domain.
Our Work
The Centre for Free Expression explores the extent, nature and effects of surveillance. Our focus is to create greater public awareness and understanding of these issues and to promote discussion of laws, policies and practices that ensure democratic and human rights are not compromised
Resources
New Hotline to Assist Students Approached by CSIS Addresses a Problem Neither New nor Unprecedented
Co-Authored by Nader Hasan
On November 12, 2018, the University of Toronto’s student newspaper, The Varsity, reported that Muslim Student Association executives had been regularly receiving surprise visits from RCMP and CSIS agents regularly since 2016. Since the events of 9/11 in the United States, security and intelligence officials have taken an interest in Muslim Students Associations (MSAs) across universities in both Canada and the United States.
Police Surveillance and Civil Liberties
The growing number of police technologies may serve legitimate police purposes but raise serious questions about civil liberties and privacy.
Electronic Devices Privacy Handbook: A Guide to Your Rights at the Border
British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
Police Surveillance and Civil Liberties
Panelists: Bill Dunphy, Evan Light, Brenda McPhail
Moderator: James L. Turk