"Is the Enemy Us?"
That’s the question UBC Computer Science Professor Richard
Rosenberg continues to ask as his research reveals how the
tragic events of September 11, 2001 have encroached upon some
vitally important civil liberties.
Rosenberg specializes in the study of national and international
privacy policies, particularly with respect to electronic
media in Canada, the United States and Europe.
Two years after the introduction of Canada’s Anti-Terrorist
Act, (Bill C36), he says the area hardest hit continues to
be computers, computer networks and Internet-related issues
rather than traditional methods of information dissemination
such as broadcasting.
In Rosenberg’s most recent paper, Security versus Civil Liberties:
The Preservation of Online Free Speech and Privacy in an Age
of Global Terrorism, he concludes that the legislative changes
that have taken place since 2001 seem to indicate a long term
trend toward substantial compromises in the exercise of long
established rights, especially in terms of an individual’s
online privacy.
An amendment to section 320 of the Canadian Criminal Code
allows a judge to make a unilateral decision on what qualifies
as hate speech for material on the Internet. The communication
of hate messages via broadcasting is not a "discriminatory
practice" but that same practice via the Internet, may
be.
In Canada, the idea of a National Identity Card has been
floated as a means to reduce identity theft and more readily
apprehend terrorists. It has also been suggested that it would
allow Canadians easier entry into the U.S. None of these claims
have been justified, according to Rosenberg.
In the U.S., citizens may not be aware of expanded surveillance
with reduced checks and balances including expanded numbers
of wiretaps, search warrants, pen/trap orders and subpoenas.
Rosenberg says be careful what you put in that Google search
— the U.S. government may now spy on the web surfing of innocent
Americans including terms entered into search engines by merely
telling a judge that the spying could lead to information
that is "relevant" to an ongoing criminal investigation.
He also points out that there are roving nationwide wiretaps.
The FBI and CIA can now go phone-to-phone and computer to
computer without the need to demonstrate the each is being
used by a suspect.
The capturing and unlimited storage of travel information
for uses beyond combating terrorism is fast becoming a way
of life for international tourists.
He also says hearings have been held in Canada on "Lawful
Access" or access to information held by Internet Service
Providers.
The Department of Computer Science at UBC has approximately
900 undergraduates, 187 Graduate students and 41 full time
faculty members who are recognized internationally for their
excellence in research and teaching innovation with a conscious
focus on interdisciplinary programs.
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