By The Canadian Press

Goodale Urges Public Discussion on Police Access to Passwords and Digital Data

Aug 17, 2016 | 11:47 AM

OTTAWA – The federal public safety minister says Canadians need to consider how far police should be allowed to go in accessing their electronic devices and communications.

Ralph Goodale says a federal review of cybersecurity will provide a chance to discuss a proposal from Canada’s police chiefs for a new law that would compel people to hand over passwords with a judge’s consent.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police says the measure is needed to fight criminals in cyberspace who increasingly use tools to hide their identities and communications.

Goodale acknowledges that devices like smartphones contain a wealth of personal data and can reveal much more about a person than an ordinary physical search might.

But he adds that while Canadians value their privacy, they also want police to have the necessary tools to investigate crimes.

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The Canadian Press