General

CSIS allowed to spy on Canadians overseas

Threats to national security can be monitored—so long as it’s done from Canada

A Federal Court ruling has overturned a loophole restricting the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to domestic operations. Prior to the decision, CSIS was unable to monitor citizens suspected to be national security threats while they were abroad, a limitation that could be near crippling when trying to fight global terrorism. Agents will now able to monitor the communications of Canadian nationals, so long as those communications are intercepted from within Canada. “This ruling is important because it recognizes that security threats are global and highly mobile,” said CSIS spokeswoman Manon Berube.

Ottawa Citizen

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: