A Vancouver-based communication watchdog agency has launched three PSA-style videos online warning Canadians about a proposed bill that would allow authorities to access their private information.

Bill C-52 would allow Internet service providers to give police access to user information, including addresses, phone numbers and information from their IP address. This information includes websites they have visited and people they have talked to online – all without a warrant.

The PSAs by OpenMedia.ca are satirical depictions of various situations where expectations of privacy are violated. According to OpenMedia.ca's communications manager, the videos were a way to get Canadians to discuss the bill and find out about the consequences.

"We decided the Conservative government had not done enough to inform Canadians about the bill," said Lindsey Pinto. "We want to videos to encourage Canadians to stand up for online rights, engage the broader public and bring awareness."

In one of the videos, a woman answers her phone and is approached by a police officer who grabs the phone and listens in to the conversation. In another, the police officer is found in an apartment rummaging through the fridge. All the videos end with the statement, "you wouldn't let a police officer do this without a warrant."

Related: Check out the videos here.



The bill, which has been defended by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, was proposed as a way to investigate and prevent criminal electronic communications. But privacy watchdogs say the bill would give police carte blanche to view private information.

"It's warrantless, evasive and costly," said Pinto. "The bill would have huge implications on your freedoms. We want people to use the internet to the fullest extent possible without having to worry about authorities obtaining the information without a warrant."

Pinto said she hopes Canadians become more aware about the bill and pressure the government to listen and get rid of the proposed bill.

"We hope to forward the idea of openness and engage Canadians in order to make sure the Internet stays open," she said.