Cybele Negris
Bill C-28, The Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act (FISA) was passed by Canadian Parliament and received Royal Assent December 15, 2010.
As Canada’s first anti-spam legislation, it empowers authorities to aggressively fine spammers (individuals could be fined up to $1 million per violation and companies $10 million per violation). The legislation has major implications on how businesses conduct their communication practices with clients and potential clients.
In my earlier post in January 2011, Canadian Parliament passes Bill C-28, Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam, I summarized some key issues about whether the Bill would really reduce spam, when businesses need to be in compliance, how will violators be punished and more.
Draft regulations have now been posted for the new anti-spam legislation and both the CRTC and Industry Canada are calling for comments.
The CRTC notice is here http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-400.htm with the draft regulations appearing as an appendix.
The Industry Canada notice is here http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-07-09/html/reg1-eng.html.
Deadlines for comments are August 29th and 31st respectively.
All Canadian companies, organizations and individuals need to ensure their electronic communications are compliant with the legislation so do make sure you understand the rules to avoid the massive financial implications.
The CRTC has no place in regulating the content of TV or radio broadcasts, and in this case Internet traffic. The CRTC should stick to regulating broadcast frequencies.
Secondly, those fines are outrageous! 1 million dollars for and individual, are you kidding me!