The association representing Canadian lawyers is calling on the federal government to amend its cyberbullying bill.

In a press release, the Canadian Bar Association said that while it supports the intentions of the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, the government needs to clarify the bill to ensure Canadians’ privacy rights are not infringed.

Although the bill intends to protect youth, the CBA argues in its 25-page submission that the “real change” concerns the use of “intimate images” involving adults. In addition, the group recommends the government alter the bill to ensure only people engaged in “intentional” cyberbullying are prosecuted.

The CBA recommends splitting the bill into two – one bill focusing on cyberbullying and the other dealing with the powers law enforcement agencies have over the Internet.

On Monday, NDP’s motion to divide the bill was debated in the House of Commons. Justice Minister Peter MacKay suggested that splitting the bill would cause a delay.

“To separate the bill, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest would be perverse,” MacKay said.

The CBA also suggests the additional powers given to law enforcement may extend beyond search and seizure of Internet data for cyberbullying purposes. The bill seeks to give the courts the ability to seize personal devices that may have been linked to the crime, including cellphones and laptops.

“The proposals in Bill C-13 are more focused and circumscribed than previous legislative initiatives, and we believe that with our recommended amendments would produce a viable version of this important legislation,” the release reads.

Last week, Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian raised concerns about the bill, accusing the government of “dressing up” additional surveillance powers for police. If passed, Internet companies could be required to give consumer information to police without a warrant.

Bill C-13, introduced after the tragic suicides of teenagers Amanda Todd and Rehtaeh Parsons, would make it illegal to distribute what the government has dubbed “intimate images” on the Internet without consent, and would give law enforcement greater powers to remove the images.

The government has indicated it hopes the bill will pass before Parliament rises in June.

With files from the Canadian Press