Anti-spam laws could be in place by end of year
The federal government is re-introducing legislation to stop unwanted spam on computers and cell phones and guard against identity theft. Industry Minister Tony Clement says if all goes well the legislation could be in force by the end of the year.
Clement says Canada is an outlier among advanced nations for the lack of effective laws against spam, unwanted solicitations or even threats over computers and other wireless devices. That has allowed spammers to set up shop in Canada and victimize individuals not only here, but around the world.
The government intends to create a spam-reporting centre to work with government enforcement agencies with the power to shut down sites. Charities, political parties, pollsters and businesses with an established relationship with a recipient would be exempt from the controls.
