Canada: Anti-terror law beefs up cyber threat powers

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Ont. (AA) – New anti-terror laws introduced Tuesday include a beefed-up security force that would be able to launch cyber attacks against terrorist groups and other governments.

Currently, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) does not have the power to act outside Canadian government networks to combat cyber threats, Global News reported.

It is just one measure in the new legislation that is designed to protect the privacy rights of Canadians while enhancing national security, the government said on its website.

The changes come after the federal government solicited opinions from the public.

“Canadians were clear in the consultation that they expect their rights and freedoms to be protected at the same time as their security,” Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said in a written statement. “The measures introduced today reflect that expectation and strengthen Canada’s ability to address evolving threats.”

The legislation creates the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency that will oversee Canada’s security and intelligence services to ensure citizen’s rights are protected from unnecessary harassment under the banner of terror investigations.

The legislation also more clearly defines “terrorist propaganda” – a vague term coined in legislation passed by the previous Conservative government.

Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan said the new powers for the CSE improves its ability to fight cyber threats and is of particular importance.

“CSE operates in a rapidly changing technological world,” he said in a written statement. “The proposed CSE Act will maintain CSE’s ability to provide the Government of Canada with essential intelligence necessary to protect Canadians and will help strengthen our national cyber defenses, while at the same time increasing transparency, accountability and oversight of these activities.”

Also included by the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a promise to review the Anti-terrorism Act every three years, the CBC reported.