16.34°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

canada-unveils-national-ai-strategy-with-goal-of-creating-90-000-ai-related-jobs-by-2031
CanadaJun 04, 2026

Canada unveils national AI strategy with goal of creating 90,000 AI-related jobs by 2031

The federal government has released a new national artificial intelligence strategy aimed at expanding Canada's AI sector, increasing business adoption of the technology, and creating new employment opportunities across the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon unveiled the strategy in Toronto on Thursday. According to the government, the plan includes a $2.3 billion investment intended to strengthen Canada's position in the global AI industry. The strategy sets a target of creating 90,000 AI-related jobs and work opportunities for Canadians by 2
BCJun 04, 2026

B.C. Review Board grants conditional discharge to man found not criminally responsible in deaths of three children

The British Columbia Review Board has granted a conditional discharge to a man who was found not criminally responsible for the deaths of his three children in Merritt, B.C. Allen Schoenborn killed his three children in 2008. The children, aged five, eight and 10, died after being stabbed and suffocated. In 2010, a court ruled that Schoenborn was not criminally responsible for the killings because of a mental disorder. According to decisions of the B.C. Review Board, Schoenborn must continue receiving psychiatric treatment while on conditional discharge. The board may also require him to resid
alberta-premier-danielle-smith-visits-quebec-to-strengthen-provincial-ties-dateline
AlbertaJun 04, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Visits Quebec to Strengthen Provincial Ties Dateline

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith visited Quebec this week as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the two provinces, which some political observers have informally dubbed the “Alberbec” or “Queberta” alliance. Speaking during the visit, Smith acknowledged that Alberta and Quebec have historically disagreed on a range of policy issues. However, she said the provinces now share more common interests than differences, particularly in their concerns about Ottawa's relationship with provincial governments. Smith criticized the federal government, arguing that both Alberta and Quebe
former-surrey-police-chief-norm-lipinski-says-no-reason-was-given-for-dismissal
CanadaJun 04, 2026

Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski Says No Reason Was Given for Dismissal

Former Surrey Police Service (SPS) Chief Norm Lipinski has publicly addressed his dismissal for the first time, saying he was not provided with a clear reason for the decision. In a letter to SPS employees, Lipinski said he had returned to work early from vacation and was called into a Surrey Police Board meeting on his first day back. According to the letter, board members informed him that his employment was being terminated but did not provide a specific explanation for the decision. Lipinski wrote that he had not expected his tenure with the service to end in this manner. He said he rema
AlbertaJun 02, 2026

Rainfall warning in effect for Calgary as officials monitor river levels and flood risk

A rainfall warning remains in effect for Calgary as Environment and Climate Change Canada says the city could see additional precipitation before conditions gradually improve. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Calgary may receive about 10 millimetres of rain today, with heavier rainfall expected to taper into showers later in the day. The agency warns that water may pool on roads and in low-lying areas as the system continues to move through the region. The Calgary Fire Department says flows in the Bow and Elbow rivers are approaching levels it describes as roughly twice the

Related News