Research Brief
Principal Investigator
Megan McGibbon

Project Sponsor
Patrick Neal

Instructor
Marie E. Graf

Research Field
Public Safety

Program
Bachelor of Law
Enforcement Studies

Course
LAWS
4003

Funding Sources
N/A: Course-based
Project.

Cyber Surveillance & Privacy in
Canada
The purpose of this study was to provide an informative and
current report in the field of public safety and law enforcement, focusing on
cyber surveillance and privacy. Cyber surveillance operates on the
precedent that the intrusion of privacy is justified by serving to protect
national security. However, concerns have been raised surrounding the
lack of transparency that this subject affords. This research study sought to
answer the question: Does cyber surveillance help or hinder the safety of
Canadian citizens?
The methodology used for this study was a mixed methods
approach, using both qualitative and quantitative data. Only secondary
sources of information were used to ensure timeliness and compliance with
outlined ethics standards. Academic literature gathered from JIBC and
Camosun online databases was examined against Canadian Public Opinion
Surveys from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada in order to
better understand themes and trends surrounding the topic.
The findings indicated academic unease over the dwindling privacy
of Canadians and increasing presence of cyber surveillance. However,
public opinion polls showed that the citizens themselves did not reveal a
high level of concern. In 2016, half of Canadians surveyed felt that law
enforcement agencies did not have enough power to collect private
information from citizens in support of national security and public safety
(OPCC, 2016). This finding was in direct contradiction of the academic
literature, as various sources voiced concern that once privacy is
relinquished, it is infinitely difficult to regain.
In examination of both literature and data, it is recommended that a
strong foundational knowledge be shared with Canadians regarding their
online privacy and surveillance practices. This knowledge should be
shared especially with young Canadians, whose lives are increasingly lived
online. It is also recommended that further research be conducted into the
area of governance and accountability of cyber surveillance operations in
Canada.
References
Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc. (2016). 2016 Survey
of Canadians on Privacy: Final report. Privacy
Commissioner of Canada.

Research Brief
Structured Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to provide an informative and current
report in the field of public safety and law enforcement, focusing on cyber
surveillance and privacy. The study aimed to shed light on both academic and general
public opinion about the merits and detriments that cyber surveillance affords. This
research study sought to answer the question: Does cyber surveillance help or hinder
the safety of Canadian citizens?
Methods: The methodology used for this study was a mixed methods approach,
using both qualitative and quantitative data. Only secondary sources of information
were used to ensure timeliness and compliance with outlined ethics standards.
Information was gathered primarily using the Justice Institute of British Columbia
online library, Camosun library database, and Google Scholar. This literature was
then compared with results from the Public Opinion Survey of Canadians on Privacy
years 2014 and 2016, prepared for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Results/Findings: The findings indicated academic unease over the dwindling
privacy of Canadians and increasing presence of cyber surveillance. However, public
opinion polls showed that the citizens themselves did not reveal a high level of
concern. In 2016, half of Canadians surveyed felt that law enforcement agencies did
not have enough power to collect private information from citizens in support of
national security and public safety (OPCC, 2016). This finding was in direct
contradiction of the academic literature, as various sources voiced concern that once
privacy is relinquished, it is infinitely difficult to regain.

Discussion: This research is important as it highlights a current and pressing issue
in law enforcement and public safety. The digital landscape changes rapidly, and the
public must be educated and legislation adjusted in appropriate time. Giving
governments the authority to conduct warrantless data collection should be informed
by research, not by a public operating in fear.

Practical Applications: The recommendations gathered from this research are
that a strong foundational knowledge should be shared with Canadians regarding their
online privacy and the extent of cyber surveillance being conducted. This knowledge
is most important to share with young Canadians, whose lives are increasingly lived
online.

References:
Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc. (2016). 2016 Survey of Canadians on Privacy:
Final report. Privacy Commissioner of Canada.