The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that it examined the digital devices of some 27,405 individuals out of a total of 207,8 million travellers who were processed at ports of entry from November 20, 2017 until December 31, 2019.

This means that about 13 in every 100,000 travellers underwent an examination of their digital devices. The CBSA says that approximately 40% percent of device examinations resulted in a customs-related offence.

The examinations are a controversial issue because of privacy considerations. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner recently found that there was a breach of the Privacy Act in two instances (out of six complaints) in the past 26 months.

In December 2019 the CBSA launched a dedicated policy on digital device examinations, including a more developed, detailed, mandatory training program for all new and existing officers. The Agency also developed and published new information to provide guidance to travellers.

Link: Examining digital devices at the Canadian border

   

 

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