Is the enemy us?: New threats to privacy, freedom of information and civil liberties in the age of terrorism

A number of events have taken place in Canada and the U.S. following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These events include both proposed and enacted legislation, actions taken to deal with immediate and perceived threats to nations and their inhabitants, and limitations in existing civil liberties, that may or may not be warranted. The title of this paper is taken in part from the much lamented cartoon Pogo, in which Pogo admits, "I have seen the enemy and he is us." The first part of this paper deals with an analysis of the proposed Anti-terrorist Act, Bill C-36, introduced by the federal government of Canada in October and November of 2001. A sampling of criticism and issues of special concern are presented with special attention to the impact on the online world. The second part deals with parallel legislation, the USA PATRIOT Act, signed into law by President Bush at the end of October, 2001. Because of concern that the Internet had been used by terrorists to plan and coordinate their heinous acts, it has received special attention.