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Hacker group Anonymous threatens Vic Toews
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CTVNews.ca Staff
Date: Mon. Feb. 20 2012 10:06 PM ET
The hacker group Anonymous is demanding Public Safety Minister Vic Toews kill the Internet surveillance bill and resign or it will release "information" during what it calls "Operation White North."
Two videos posted to YouTube feature a masked man and voice-overs that condemn the proposed Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act (Bill C-30).
"All this legislation does is give your corrupted government more power to control its citizens," a synthesized voice says in one of the videos still posted to the site Monday.
"We know all about you, Mr. Toews, and during Operation White North we will release what we have unless you scrap this bill," it states.
The RCMP has been called in to investigate apparent death threats against Toews as controversy swirls around the legislation. Police said Monday they haven't yet decided whether a full investigation will be launched.
"We've received information from Public Safety so what we're going to do is we're going to examine that information," RCMP Cpl. David Falls told The Canadian Press. "Depending on the situation, we may or may not initiate an investigation."
In an open letter to his Manitoba constituents distributed over the weekend, Toews said the threats have been "referred to the police for investigation."
The "personal attacks, criminal acts and threats of future criminal acts against me" won't prevent him from carrying out his parliamentary duties, the minister wrote.
"Any further criminal activity or threats of criminal activity against me or my family will also be referred to the police," Toews said in the statement.
Although CTV reporter Mercedes Stephenson said the RCMP has yet to respond to her inquiries concerning criminal threats against Toews, she did speak with a source close to the minister about the YouTube videos.
"They told me that he's not that concerned about the Anonymous video. He considers it to be a political video and it's a political threat and Anonymous makes a lot of political threats against a lot of different politicians," she told CTV News Channel Monday.
He's far more concerned by the potential security threats, Stephenson said.
In its current form, the bill would force Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to allow access to private data without a warrant. It would also permit the duplication of that data without oversight or appeal.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association both say they support Bill C-30 and it won't violate privacy rights.
The police chiefs' group had also backed the long-gun registry.
The deputy police chief in Vancouver spoke in favour of the legislation Monday arguing it's needed to save lives and still holds officers accountable for information they request.
"While it provides authority for the police to obtain basic subscriber information in the course of their duties, access to e-mail and Internet activity is only available with a warrant as is the case now," Warren Lemcke said at a press conference.
Bill C-30 enhances the ability of police to fight crime, prevent victimization and suicides, he said.
"Our hope is that Members of Parliament, the media and Canadians as a whole will take the time to view the legislation through the lens of law enforcement," Lemcke said.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police is disappointed by the amount of "misinformation and rhetoric that is clouding an important discussion on this issue," he said.
Toews said during debate in the House last week that anyone who opposed the law was supporting child pornographers. He has since backed away from that comment.
But the contentious statement did prompt the creation of an anonymous Twitter account "@Vikileaks30" that published details of Toews' divorce, family and his spending as an MP.
The Conservatives accused the NDP of operating the Twitter feed, something the party has denied.
In his letter, Toews went on to call the personal attacks against him futile, because they are based on records from his divorce proceedings, which are open to the public.
He went on to say that the breakdown of his previous marriage is something he is personally accountable for, "but that accountability is not something I owe to the public generally or to my political opponents in particular."
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It is about time - as a grandparent I have watched our kids (who were allowed to fail although I do remember some nagging on our part) learn, I have watched our children now micro-manage their children. A big part of it is the fact that there are predators out there and an extreme reluctance on the parents part to alllow freedom that might result in the children becoming victims.
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Comments are now closed for this story
Gus83
said
The only way to "control" such a huge entity is the way China has been successful. Erect a firewall and cut off all internet sites. Then allow them back one by one under close government supervision. Otherwise, the masses will decide the fate of the internet.
Julia
said
nebcfsj
said
Joel
said
Phil N
said
What is so wrong with our society as it is now that we have to erode personal freedom like this?
Robert B
said
Canadian Citizen
said
"But I've secured my WIFI" guess what?? can break through within about 10 seconds (even shown on youtube how to break in).
"The ISP assigned my IP and is attached to my MAC Address", guess what?? Can all be altered and changed. This bill is a farce in the fact it won't find anything other than the IP's and Computer connections criminals have STOLEN and the innocents will go through hell trying to prove it.
Way to go politicians!!! You should really hire people with the right skills to help you create laws.
wildricepaper
said
They owe it to themselves
- and to all Canada
to openly and clearly repudiate
the Dishonourable Vic Toews.
Having been duped on May 2, 2011 into letting the fox into the hen-house they could now, for our rights and freedoms,
'stand on guard'?
A candle-light vigil outside his office, perhaps?
And a Twitter recall referendum?
Just saying.
Michael Munro, Dekalake BC
said
Ted
said
Raymond
said
Anonymous
said
Ropbert in Beaconsfield
said
Josh
said
Ron Landry
said
Josh
said
jjaycee
said
joe
said
Josh
said
Marlin
said
mikel
said
TheLaughingMan
said
Kurt S
said
wallybob
said
James, Ontario
said
Esther Law
said
Ron
said
Friendly Policeman
said
Please list your grievences here. Click the "Please Add Comments" link above -- but don't worry about the "real name" & email stuff. That doesn't matter anymore.
See, if I don't like a comment I read here, I can connect the dots between this site and the comment's author without asking anybody for permission.
But that shouldn't affect what *you* write -- you're entitled to your opnion; you've got nothing to hide; it's a free country, after all.
ruth
said
These so-called death threats remind me of the Harris administration in Ontario, when one of his ministers, during an altercation with a protester, threw himself backwards into a bush and claimed the protester had attacked him. Luckily someone caught the event on video.
mark
said
mike
said
Guy Souriant
said
If the police could leak records on Jack, they can leak records on anyone they want to destroy.
It's dangerous to give any police squad or government the power to suppress it's political opponents. Toews using the police to carry out his personal political vendetta against Anonymous (who have done nothing illegal) is but one example.
General Zod
said
J Bergeron
said
The Central Scrutinizer
said
Exactitude
said
The conservatives are out of touch with Canadians.
This new Vic Toews law will trump all those privacy settings you set for yourself on the internet. You will have no privacy.
It can be said anyone who expects to be able to put disgusting comments and photos on the internet and not have them public is very mistaken.
There is no room for porno and smut purveyors in our country. Bill C-30 is what is needed to counter-act those who want freedom to spread perversion.
Tempower
said
SC
said
pro C-30
said
M.Montreal
said
Johnny
said
WildWest
said
Siero
said
Then let them get a warrant. It's an invasion of my privacy to have my internet history recorded it isn't about what I have to hide but it is about me having to give up right to privacy. If this passes they could take efforts to taking away more of our rights in an effort to screen the population for the minority of offenders who do exist.
In fact these groups who actual do have things to hide KNOW how to hide them. Keeping a track of a persons internet record is absolutely useless against anyone who knows a thing about computers. Covering your tracks through multiple proxies or other methods will completely defeat any attempt at monitoring them.
Well,...
said
private
said
Says I - Ottawa
said
DJ Evans
said
Guy Souriant
said
Vic Toews is now using law enforcement to investigate this activity. He is using the police to settle personal political scores with the Anonymous group. It's an abuse of power that pretty much underscores the types of rights violations that a government with too many police powers easily commits without the proper checks and balances.
What Anonymous is doing is not nice and may be sleazy, but it is no different than the Conservative press releasing information on Jack Layton's run in with police at a massage parlor. There's a double standard in the Conservative press that's very disturbing in this matter.
Paul
said
Elizabeth
said
Dan
said
Tim
said
Leaving Saskatchewan
said
Harper is the one really responsible, Mr Control Freak always knows the contents of the bills they are pushing, this one was very carefully crafted over many months.
This bill is dangerous, giving up rights we paid for in bloody wars in the last century.
This bill must be withdrawn and never reintroduced.
What we really need is some legislation to protect our internet and our rights. There is a reason we have the warrant system in place.
Really?
said
Tilbury golfer
said
Brandon
said
Chris Bennett
said
Exactitude
said
The conservatives are out of touch with Canadians.
This new Vic Toews law will trump all those privacy settings you set for yourself on the internet. You will have no privacy.
It can be said anyone who expects to be able to put disgusting comments and photos on the internet and not have them public is very mistaken.
There is no room for porno and smut purveyors in our country. Bill C-30 is what is needed to counter-act those who want freedom to spread perversion.
JIM
said
I do not have anything to hide but I do not accept that anyone that feel like it can snoop through what I do on the internet or would have access to my GPS for tracking purpose, this is well beyond what a cops need to do his job.
I do not trust all police officers, very sorry but that's the way it is.
There is corruption everywhere and that includes Police.
This Conservative government is destroying our country, take a stand!
Cody
said
mike
said
James
said
morvin
said
Well Mr. Policeman, we did look at the legislation through the eyes of law enforcement and that's why we're afraid. Very afraid and vehemently opposed to it.
I suggest you take the time to view the legislation through the lens of a law-abiding Canadian who does not want his country to slowly become a police state.
R.StPierre
said
Anonymous
said
LOL you people who say your supportive of this bill should kill their internet now! It makes me sick, the stupidity of who think they know the net. We should be free to do what we want!!! We do live in North America and if we are going communist this is where it starts!!!
We all love Anonymous!!!
Saskroughian
said
Anonymous should fear it, it could reveal their identity. ChildPornDogs should fear it. Organizers of terrorist plots should fear it.
Joe Average who earns his pay, pays his taxes, vacations in Mexico, and has a mortgage should not really care. The worst thing he might get busted on is what websites he occasionally trips across while surfing the web, which could include porn or other things that a politician would not want to be public.
Please give an example of somebody legit that should fear this? Regardless, they'll peep in anyway by getting a warrant, if you're of interest to them.
Bill in Windsor
said
MD
said
Noneofyourbusiness
said
jack
said
Robert777
said
phil klisma
said
every computer can be configured arbitrarily to look like anything you want, and its very simple! this bill is a knee jerk response from a sorely uneducated fossil in regard to tracking criminals. Now lets assume rationally this bill is about building a database of ISP connections and associated activities, then its all about surveillance. it will lead to a highly inaccurate data base as no one can guarantee that you are the only one on your internet connection EVER! the internet as it exists must be abolished if internet crime is to be stopped. WIFI must be made illegal, and all hardware destroyed, all hotspots at timmys or micky Ds must be removed, and computers must be banned and replaced by dumb terminals that remotely control a government approved server to access the internet. I will be submitting my resume for I.T. consultant to the conservative govt tomorrow morning
Mark C
said
PBW
said
Headshakin
said
peter in mb
said
Balbeer
said
MarkC
said
charles regina
said
Josh
said
First you don't have a right to access the internet second as there should be a internet protection act keep in mind that would mean people could post anything hey wanted truth or not this would hurt the avg joe more then anyone.
bobster
said
Tilbury golfer
said
Jack
said
Rick in Hat
said
Den
said
MK in Hamilton
said
RLOTT2K
said
phil klisma
said
Chandra
said
peter in BC
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Ken in NS
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Loki
said
Victoria Bob
said
WilliamG Montreal
said
C'mon internet, get with it. We need to see the full dirt!
Was the teenage babysitter at least hot?
Susan Tees
said
Frank
said
Let's make a computer and cellphone registry. A POL (Possession Only License)for keeping existing computers and cellphones and a PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) to be able to get more computers and cellphones. Oh man, I think I am having flashbacks! Help me Lowell!!!!!
Jarge From Krinklecove
said
It is an object of control disguised as a means of protection and nothing more.
How can anyone feel this bill would lead to safety when we live in a flawed system, that any child with above average intelligence and boredom can find their way into most neighbors networks even now, step by step thanks to Youtube Videos and such. Not including the new door ways being found as we speak and this Bill would enable them to target you the innocent Citizen while the perpetrator exists nearby using your network unknowingly and now with all the open free networks being given any predator will use these access with their phones and Tops.
Are we willing to give up our freedoms so easily to a obvious flawed Bill?
Terry L
said
Carl
said
T
said
John Kilworthy
said
Presently software freely exists to what you look at and what you say to others. Vic Teows and the Conservatives know this. If they don't they're asleep at the switch and the present public outcry just might wake them up.
Anybody with more that 10 brains cells just need google their way to TOR enabled software. TOR stands for The Onion Router, a network of encrypted routers set up to allow freedom lover peoples to go beyond their governments' attempts at censorship, control of information and coercion of citizenry.
Is the Conservative Government's next step the outlawing of TOR software and use thereof?
Kate
said
bouzane
said
jay jameson
said
Canadians do not support Sopa, Pipa or and of these Toews laws either.
The PC party should start to act like they work for Canadian voters like me instead of furthering the interests Corporate America and destroying civil liberties that our veterans have died to create and promote.
Dealing with Annonymous
said
Evan Tananbaum
said
Stanton, Ontario
said
Mister C
said
C Biluk
said
n.h
said
Joan in Real World
said
hagbard
said
David
said
JD from Ontario
said
Nomad
said
George Carter
said
alan
said
Cons better listen
said
dan
said
Ex-Conservative supporter
said
Frank Buchan
said
private
said
Steve in Ottawa
said
MARG MM
said
Linda
said
Anonymous scares me in quite a measure but I think their tactics are effective - we, the citizens of Canada, really need to be paying attention to this issue and let Steve and the boys know that this doesn't make sense to us - RECONSIDER!
MikeD
said
These kinds threats show how useless this bill is. It will only catch the less technically skillful.
Alberta Chris
said
The Central Scrutinizer
said
Calgary Cowboy
said
Paul
said
I agree with Minister Toews that there is a clear need to better protect children and vulnerable Canadians from internet predators, but this is probably the worst way to go about it. I have faith in Canada and believe that the government will look closely into this bill and see that Hackers can easily hide anything they want from ISP's and government authorities. This bill will only get regular folks, busy families and do gooders who make a simple mistake or click the wrong link by accident; end up in a counter terrorism briefing report or a no fly list. I do still have faith in this government, that they will listen to Canada and target the true offenders while reducing privacy intrusion.
Holly in Wpg
said
Exactitude
said
My question is: could it be a public broadcaster?
CamilleToews
said
KPR in St. John''s
said
Ken
said
k
said
Mrs. Edna Lickamaid
said
Ravi
said
Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said
Ron
said
Remember how they were going to bring oil sansd companies to their knees? oh right, that didn't happen.
They're in it for the PR. Not because they're a credible threat. Giving them headlines is fueling them... and its time you stopped.
Ray in Saskatoon
said
Mrs. Edna Lickamaid
said
WSV
said
sash waterloo
said
Bob
said
JohnInSask
said
Steve
said
We do not work for the government and they do not own us. We don't owe ANYONE access to our personal lives on that level.
My god, Canadians are sheep.
Harry Anslinger
said
H.D. Schneider
said
bikerborz
said
Tim
said
Justin
said
Vanc Guy
said
Murray in Ontario
said
Jmac503
said
Wait ... the RCMP are at my door ....They've found me!!! I'm going to jail 'cause Stevie and Vic don't like what I'm saying!!
Look to history and tell me I'm wrong.
enoughisenough
said
bouzane
said
Nate
said
Chris/Manitoba
said
gordie
said
NoContest
said
Burt
said
lamorial
said
Kel Lyons
said
Shediac
said
Nia
said
Says I - Ottawa
said
Dan
said
Billy in BC
said
The conservative government is arrogant and naive pushing this though as a solution. Like putting out an oil fire with a hose.
steve, ottawa
said
all the non criminals comply, and the criminals still can't be caught, we are left with the costs of loosing our own freedoms.
I miss the 1970's
jaxxy
said
Les
said
Les Ducak
said
frank
said
If the SAME threat happened to a Liberal or a NDP member, ALL of you lefties would DEMAND a RCMP probe into this, and to have these hackers thrown in jail.
Unbelievable how the left is such HYPOCRITES in all of this.
mrmarky
said
KnightOrDay
said
Minister Toews has been awoken to the displeasure of the Canadian public over Bill C-30, we do not need external bullying.
Steve O
said
conductor274
said
Lone Ranger - Ottawa
said
bigpianoguy
said
Dustin Ellis
said
Markus
said
Jim-Surrey
said
Niagara George
said
Spare Me
said
Email your MP
said
Mark
said
CoreyAlberta
said
Brian in Saskatchewan
said