JUNE 22, 2009

       Do you like being watched? Hey, voyeurism is the craze these days with webcam websites and people giving everybody a glimpse into their lives.

       We know the Internet is made up of millions upon millions of computer users searching, listening, watching countless bits of content from around the world.

       Most of the time this is done by people showing off themselves – whether it’s by a video conference with a loved one far away or showing off your new pet to your friends – it’s our choosing to put ourselves out there.

       A proposed new law, however, would share your business with the government whether you want the feds in your home or not.

       It was announced last week Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan wants to see governments have a more watchful eye on what websurfers are doing. That would mean having access to what your computer does on the Internet and even going as far as having the ability to listen to private cellphone calls.

       That’s right, dear readers. This elected official wants to have the power to see/hear everything in our lives. Not even a Happy Birthday phone call to Grandma would be safe.

       Last Thursday the motion was tabled and Van Loan wants police to be able to tap into our Internet account information and impose tracking devices inside cellphones.

       My question is this: Isn’t it politicians we are most concerned with and the types of slimy business they do? We’ve seen lots of hot water – boiling water lately – in Ottawa, so is Van Loan also suggesting his colleagues would also be under the watchful eye? Or, would they be exempt because they’re people of power that don’t need to be monitored.

       Seriously, I know we’re just a hop, skip and a jump from the U.S. border, but I’m almost thinking it’s time to crawl under that fence. Then again, maybe somewhere east or west would be nicer.