David T. Fraser
Privacy and technology lawyer; posts on data protection, compliance, and regulatory governance.
Privacy Experts Demand Narrow Amendments to Overbroad Access Bill
Happy to have added my name to this: "Privacy law scholars and lawyers call for amendments to powers in the new lawful access bill that are overbroad and unlikely to survive Charter scrutiny" https://robertdiab.substack.com/p/an-open-letter-on-bill-c-22
Teen Social Media Bans Threaten Charter Rights to Expression
I had a really enjoyable conversation with The White Hatter Team about the often overlooked Charter implications of measures like teen social media bans and age-gating. FYI: Kids have Charter rights and participating in social media is expression. https://youtu.be/IQIk1rPxqnk
Crystal‑Clear Waters Reveal 360° North West Arm Panorama
Immersive 360° panorama over the western end of the North West Arm on a beautiful day. The water is so clear.
Manitoba ID Rule Risks Free Speech, Kids Circumvent
This cannot be done without requiring ID from everyone in Manitoba who wants to access social media or AI chatbots. The kids will circumvent it and it will infringe everyone's Charter rights to freedom of expression. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-social-media-age-restrictions-9.7177470
Government's Charter Statement on Bill C-22 Misleading and Incomplete
The government's misleading and incomplete Charter Statement for Bill C-22, the Lawful Access Act 2026 (Note: I have 55 exams to mark, so the video and podcast versions will have to wait.) https://blog.privacylawyer.ca/2026/04/the-governments-misleading-and.html
Bill C-22 Part 2 Threatens New Canadian Surveillance System
The deeply problematic Part 2 of the lawful access Bill C-22, the new "Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act", which has the potential to create a whole new surveillance infrastructure in Canada. New on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh51IJSAwp0 #lawfulaccess
Secret Orders in Bill C‑22 Part 2 Pave Path to Totalitarianism
The Canadian government wants you to focus on Part 1 of the Lawful Access Act (Bill C-22), but this is what Part 2 will enable. Secret ministerial orders are the groundwork for turnkey totalitarianism.
Bill C‑22 Expands Production Orders for Subscriber Data
The second of a series on what's in Bill C-22, the Lawful Access Act of 2026 (Canada's new #LawfulAccess bill). A close look at Production Orders for Subscriber Information in Part 1 of the bill, new on my YouTube channel:...
Bill C‑22 Allows Warrantless Confirmation of Service Demands
The first of a series on what's in Bill C-22, Canada's new #LawfulAccess bill. A close look at the warrantless "Confirmation of Service Demand" in Part 1 of the bill, new on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gMno2l6QfOY
AI Can Boost Government Transparency by Redacting Data
Too much of this is moral panic and hand-waving. Freedom of information is fundamental to our democracy, and it's currently under threat. If AI tools can make government more transparent and do so more quickly, then why not try? https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/04/03/BC-Government-AI-Redact-Personal-Information/
Five Eyes Excuse Fuels Canadian Surveillance Expansion
The next time you hear Canadian police or national security folks try to justify expanding surveillance powers by saying "our Five Eyes partners" have the capability, think of this: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/72853/rise-facial-recognition-policing
Ford Lauds Privacy Commissioner’s Unbiased Dedication Despite Opposition
Premier Ford: I have known Information and Privacy Commissioner Patricia Kosseim for over 15 years. I represent organizations often 'against' the regulator. We sometimes disagree, but I have NEVER had ANY reason to question her unbiased dedication to her role. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-doug-ford-privacy-commissioner-foi-laws/
Bill C‑22 Threatens Massive Surveillance: Do Canadians Agree?
Bill C-22, if passed, will permit the government to mandate a new massive surveillance infrastructure ordering tech companies and telcos to collect more data for the police. Is this something Canadians want?
Supreme Court Hears Facebook Privacy Case, Outcome Uncertain
It was an interesting hearing, with a very engaged bench of judges. Trying to predict the outcome based on the judges' questions is a mug's game, so we'll just have to wait and see. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/supreme-court-reserves-decision-facebook-privacy-case-9.7134978
Open Internet Must Remain Free From Surveillance
Sorry that my overview of Bill C-22 (Lawful Access Act, 2026) was 40+ minutes long. The second half, starting here, is what I think Canadians should understand. The open internet should not be deputized to collect more information for cops...