ARTICLE · 05 JULY 2017

Canada's Privacy Commissioner Raises Concerns About USCBP Searches Of Electronic Devices

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Canada's Privacy Commissioner has raised important concerns about searches of electronic devices at the border.

CanadaPrivacy

Cyndee Todgham Cherniak

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On June 8, 2017, Canada's Privacy Commissioner sent a letter to the Parliamentary Committee reviewing Bill C-23 "Preclearance Act, 2016" to ask for amendments to cover searches of electronic devices by US Customs and Border Protection in Canada's Pre-Clearance Areas. Bill C-23 has passed second reading in Canada's House of Commons and is currently being considered by the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security has been holding meetings and receiving written and oral testimony concerning Bill C-23.

Canada's Privacy Commissioner has raised important concerns about searches of electronic devices at the border. On June 8, 2017, the Privacy Commissioner wrote a second follow-up letter to the Parliamentary Committee and stated, in part:

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