Koumbit's next 5@7: "Illegal access" and the attack of internet freedoms

Koumbit's first 5@7 of 2012 focuses on an issue central to the future of the internet in Quebec and Canada: the planned adoption of bill C-52 (AKA "Legal Access"), proposed by the Conservative party.

This law is part of a continued trend in the regulation and repression of online activity. The law obliges providers of online services (including website hosting and internet access) to cooperate fully with law officers, who need provide neither a legal warrant nor an explanation for their requests. The law further forbids service providers from warning their users of government surveillance. In effect, these laws transform service providers into instruments of state repression.

Anthony Hémond (member of Koumbit's board of directors) and Antoine Beaupré (systems administrator and member of the workers' committee) will explain the relevant points of law C-52. They will also discuss bill C-11 ("An Act to amend the Copyright Act"), ACTA and their American equivalents (SOPA/PIPA). This short presentation will be followed by open discussion.

We'll meet up Friday, February 3rd, at Bar Populaire (6584 St Laurent, between Beaubien and St. Zotique). See you there!

The Koumbit Team