Installing computer programs on an individual's computer without consent is now illegal

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, Jan. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - As of today, new requirements for installing computer programs have come into force. Businesses installing software or computer programs on another person's computer must now have their consent.

For example, under the new requirements, it is now illegal for a website to automatically install software on a visitor's computer or for an app on your phone to be updated without first obtaining consent.

These new requirements are part of Canada's anti-spam legislation adopted by Parliament that came into force on July 1, 2014. These requirements are designed to protect Canadian consumers from the most damaging and deceptive forms of spam and online threats while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace.

The CRTC in collaboration with Industry Canada provided information sessions across the country to help businesses understand and prepare for the new requirements. For more information, please view our fact sheet.

Canadians are encouraged to report suspected violations of Canada's anti-spam legislation to the Spam Reporting Centre. The information sent to the Centre is used by the CRTC, the Competition Bureau, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to enforce Canada's anti-spam legislation. The CRTC has the primary enforcement responsibility and is able to investigate, take action against and set administrative monetary penalties against those who are not in compliance.

Quick Facts

• New requirements on installing computer programs came into force on January 15, 2015.
• These new requirements are part of Canada's anti-spam legislation that came into force on July 1, 2014.
• Canada's anti-spam legislation protects Canadians while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace.
• The CRTC in collaboration with Industry Canada provided information sessions across the country to help businesses understand and prepare for the new requirements.
• The CRTC has the primary enforcement responsibility and is able to investigate, take action against and set administrative monetary penalties against those who are not in compliance.

Quote

"We have been actively informing Canadian businesses about the new requirements for installing computer programs and our goal is to ensure they comply with these new rules. We continue to work to protect Canadian consumers from spam and online threats and want to remind Canadians of the importance of reporting spam to the Spam Reporting Centre."

Manon Bombardier, Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Associated Links

• CASL Requirements for Installing Computer Programs
• Spam Reporting Centre
• How do I know if Canada's Anti-spam legislation applies to my business or organization?
• Information session on Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation
• Guidelines to help businesses develop corporate compliance programs: Information Bulletin CRTC 2014-326
• Guidelines on the use of toggling as a means of obtaining express consent under Canada's anti-spam legislation: Information Bulletin CRTC 2012-549
• Guidelines on the interpretation of the Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations: Information Bulletin CRTC 2012-548

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These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Media relations: Tel.: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; General inquiries: Tel.: [phone], TDD: 819-994-0423; Fax: [phone], Toll-free No.: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782), TDD - Toll-free No.: 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)