Volume V

Issue : 16: October 11, 2007

• Canada to Criminalize Activities Related to Identity Theft
• EU Could Seek $100 Billion from U.S. Based on WTO Internet Gambling Claim
• Federal Court Orders eBay to Disclose Identity of High Volume Sellers to Canadian Tax Authorities
• Fallout from TJX Information Security Breach
• U.S. District Court Hears Challenge to Online Gambling Restrictions
• Landmark File Sharing Decision Released: Jury Orders $222,000 in Statutory Damages
• U.S. Court Finds Passing Reference in Invoice to Web based Contractual Terms Non-binding

Home > Volume V > Issue 16: October 11, 2007 > Canada to Criminalize Activities Related to Identity Theft

Canada to Criminalize Activities Related to Identity Theft

On October 2, 2007, the Minster of Justice announced that the Canadian government is planning to criminalize certain activities that relate to identity theft in an effort to provide police with the tools necessary to prevent such fraudulent activity from actually occurring. The proposed legislation will target the improper collection and trafficking of data on credit cards, banking and other personal information.

The legislation will attempt to close what is effectively a loop-hole in the current regime; although identity fraud, impersonation, and forgery are already crimes in Canada, the improper collection, possession, and use or sale of personal information is not subject to any criminal sanctions.

If passed, the proposed legislation in combination with the existing crimes of “identity fraud,” will cover the full range of activities that are required for identity theft including the improper collection of personal information.

For additional information, visit:

http://tinyurl.com/3b779c