A new report by a panel of experts from the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) has found that “rapidly changing technology poses challenges for those looking to protect people while protecting their rights and freedoms”.

“Digital technologies are now required to access virtually all essential services, leaving everyone, including those who are not actively online, vulnerable to cybercrime and harm,” said Jennifer Stoddart, Chair of the Expert Panel, in a press release.

She adds that the proliferation of digital technologies “has had a significant impact on privacy, an essential part of personal safety and dignity”.

For example, the CAC notes that law enforcement officers often have difficulty investigating criminal activity that occurs online, particularly due to outdated organizational structures, the vast amount of digital evidence, and the inadequacy of resources.

“The justice system faces significant challenges in applying the current legal framework to harmful online conduct. […] Not all online harm is the result of illegal behavior and regulation is not the only way to protect people in the digital age.”

Non-judicial approaches would be even more effective and, in certain situations, better suited to the needs of victims and survivors.

solutions

Aside from government intervention, the CAC believes that damage caused by cyber can also be addressed through community support, educational programs and corporate social responsibility.

He believes that promoting a safer digital ecosystem is “a collective responsibility that requires the participation of civil society, decision-makers, law enforcement and the private sector”.

Cooperation and coordination between states would also be essential, not least because of the speed at which misconduct can develop and cross borders.

“Online abuse and other harms can transform the lives of survivors,” said Eric M. Meslin, CAC President and CEO. Comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in regulating, preventing, investigating, prosecuting and responding to cybercrime and cyber damage is critical to addressing this problem.”

Public Safety Canada asked the CAC to review best practices that could help reduce public safety risks from the use of digital technologies while respecting human rights and privacy. (NP)