Cyber Crime

Overview

Cyber crime consists of specific crimes dealing with computers and networks (such as hacking) and the facilitation of traditional crime through the use of computers (child pornography, hate crimes, telemarketing /Internet fraud). In addition to cyber crime, there is also “computer-supported crime” which covers the use of computers by criminals for communication and document or data storage. While these activities might not be illegal in and of themselves, they are often invaluable in the investigation of actual crimes. Computer technology presents many new challenges to social policy regarding issues such as privacy, as it relates to data mining and criminal investigations.

Domestic Initiatives

Canada has played a key role in both the development of information technology and in the efforts to deal with new challenges that arise from its use. Solutions to the new challenges posed by information technology are inherently horizontal in nature and require an inclusive approach to policy development, involving a wide variety of stakeholders both inside and outside government. Various government departments and agencies within Canada deal with cyber crime, such as the RCMP’s Computer Crime Prevention website, as well as the integrated partnership between International, Federal and Provincial law enforcement agencies, at “Reporting Economic Crime On-Line” or RECOL. Other federal government departments working on national security, criminal justice, the private sector, foreign policy, critical infrastructure and social issues are all involved in the ongoing efforts to develop solutions to this increasingly prevalent crime. Coordinating an inclusive Canadian position, intended for international distribution, is one of the main challenges of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

International Initiatives

Canada is an active participant in an number of international organizations such as the G8 High-Tech Sub-Group of Lyon/Roma Anti-Crime and Terrorism Group, the Committee of Experts on Crime in Cyberspace of the Council of Europe, and most recently, at the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Working Group to Prepare a “Draft Cybersecurity Strategy” for Member States.