Because of its global nature, the Internet is difficult to regulate. However, some content and activities are covered under Canadian laws and industry self-regulatory codes.
To report illegal content or activities
Canada has a CyberTipline that handles tips from individuals wishing to report the online sexual exploitation of children. You can contact it if you have information regarding incidents of child pornography, luring, child sex-tourism, or child prostitution.
You can make report directly online at www.cybertip.ca or use the toll free phone line: 1-866-658-9022.
Other illegal online activities should be reported to your local police department, which will pass the information on to the appropriate investigative unit. Such activities include:
- hacking, or illegally breaking into individual computers or computer networks
- fraud
- cyberstalking or harassment
- online luring (an adult trying to persuade a young person to cooperate in a real-world meeting)
- dangerous and illegal activities, such as terrorism, making bombs, or unlicensed trade in weapons
- physical threats
- hate crimes, such as advocating genocide
- Any such illegal activities should also be reported to your Internet service provider (ISP). However, ISPs can only take action on Web content residing on their own servers, or activities taking place over their networks.
- If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from your ISP, you should contact the Canadian Association of Internet Providers (CAIP). CAIP members follow a Code of Conduct that deals with illegal online content.
To complain about privacy infringement on the Internet
- If you believe that a Canadian Internet site has, without your permission, shared your personal information (or that of your child) with a third party, contact the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). CMA members must follow the privacy guidelines contained in its Protection of Personal Privacy Code. They also follow a Code of Ethics that includes provisions regarding marketing to children under the age of thirteen.
To complain about junk e-mail (spam)
- Report spam to your Internet service provider.
