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“We have received a request to cancel one of your Bell services,” it blared across the top of the screen.

After a total of four phone calls with the company, Bell felt it was necessary to tamper with my Internet stream directly, hijack my web browser and force an advertisement for its services onto my tablet’s screen.

Is this even legal?

“We are aware of this tactic,” said David Fewer, a lawyer who specializes in technology and Internet issues and is director of the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic at the University of Ottawa. “(Others) seem to do it as well. It has been on our radar for a while. It is likely a violation of the Internet Traffic Management Practices rules.”

The rules governing how Internet service providers, such as Bell, can alter a person’s connection are spelled out under the Telecommunications Act. Those rules specifically require an Internet provider to approach the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to receive approval before they can alter or block content flowing over a person’s connection, according to Fewer.

“You received this message only because your Bell IP address had been flagged for disconnection,” said Jacqueline Michelis, a spokeswoman for Bell, who added the advertisement didn’t “control” or “alter” my communications. “It’s intended simply to ensure a smooth transition by confirming your service cancellation details, and to make (sure) you are aware of any special offers or promotions that might encourage you to stay with Bell, something most customers appreciate.