Spy Watchdog Urges End to Defence Counter-Intelligence Searches of Workplace Computers
The national spy watchdog is urging the military’s counter-intelligence unit to halt investigative searches of a workplace computer system due to concerns about employee privacy.
A report from the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, released on March 21, highlights that Defence employees and Armed Forces members expect a level of privacy when using work computers for personal reasons.
Activities like communicating with family and friends, online shopping, and accessing news or other information are considered acceptable personal use.
The review agency discovered that a checklist used by the Canadian Forces National Counter-Intelligence Unit for electronic investigative searches had the potential to gather intimate and personal information protected by the Charter of Rights.
According to the review agency, the unit’s electronic search procedures lacked adequate legal oversight to ensure they were minimally invasive.
Therefore, the watchdog recommends suspending such counter-intelligence searches until there is a reasonable legal framework in place.
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