30.4°C Vancouver

Mar 1, 2024 5:30 PM - The Canadian Press

Supreme Court of Canada says a computer's IP address deserves privacy protection

Share On
supreme-court-of-canada-says-a-computers-ip-address-deserves-privacy-protection
The store's third-party payment processor voluntarily gave police two IP addresses numerical identifiers assigned by an internet service provider.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The Supreme Court of Canada says police need judicial authorization to obtain a computer's internet protocol address, calling the identification number a crucial link between a person and their online activity.

The top court's ruling came today in a case that began in 2017 when Calgary police investigated fraudulent online transactions from a liquor store.

The store's third-party payment processor voluntarily gave police two IP addresses numerical identifiers assigned by an internet service provider.

Police obtained a production order compelling the service provider to disclose the name and address of the customers.

Police then got warrants to search two homes, leading to the arrest of Andrei Bykovets, who was eventually convicted on several counts.

The trial judge had rejected the argument that the police request to obtain the IP addresses violated his Charter guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure.

Latest news

WorldJun 22, 2026

Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo rise to 1,003, death toll reaches 254

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 1,003, with approximately 254 deaths reported since the outbreak began, according to the country's Health Ministry. In a statement issued Sunday, the ministry said 100 people in Ituri province have recovered from the disease since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. Another 365 patients remain hospitalized or are being treated in isolation centres. Health officials said tracing people who have come into contact with infected patients remains the biggest challenge in containing the outbreak. Accordin
montreal-police-officer-injured-after-reports-of-gunfire-in-côte-des-neiges
CanadaJun 22, 2026

Three dead, including police officer, in Montreal shooting during operation targeting armed suspect

A Montreal police officer, an armed suspect and a civilian were killed during a shooting in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood on Monday while police were attempting to apprehend an armed individual. A second officer was taken to hospital in critical condition. According to the Montreal Police Service, officers were carrying out an operation involving an armed suspect when a violent confrontation broke out. Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities issued an emergency alert through
WorldJun 22, 2026

13 killed, dozens injured in explosion at Qatar LNG facility

At least 13 people were killed and 66 others injured after an explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex on Sunday evening, according to Qatari authorities. Officials said the blast occurred at the Barzan local gas supply facility and was caused by a technical malfunction. Emergency crews responded to the scene and an investigation into the incident has been launched. The explosion happened as operations at parts of the gas complex were being resumed following disruptions linked to an Iranian attack in March. Authorities have not released details about the specific sec
ottawa-reverses-course-on-some-lost-canadian-citizenship-certificate-cancellations
CanadaJun 22, 2026

Ottawa reverses course on some 'lost Canadian' citizenship certificate cancellations

The federal government has reinstated the citizenship status of some "lost Canadians" just days after ordering them to surrender newly issued citizenship certificates and return their Canadian passports. According to letters shared with The Canadian Press, several individuals who had been told earlier this month that their proof of citizenship was under review received new correspondence over the weekend confirming their citizenship claims remain valid after what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada described as a "thorough review." The department previously said that "a few dozen" peo
b-c-records-more-than-300-wildfires-so-far-this-season-most-now-extinguished
BCJun 22, 2026

B.C. records more than 300 wildfires so far this season, most now extinguished

More than 300 wildfires have been recorded in British Columbia since April 1, with most of them now extinguished, according to the BC Wildfire Service and provincial officials. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said there are currently 20 active wildfires across the province. Five of those fires were reported within the past 24 hours. According to Parmar, 14 of the active fires were caused by human activity, while four were sparked by lightning. The causes of the remaining two fires are still under investigation. Data from the BC Wildfire Service shows that 333 wildfires have been recorded in Briti

Related News