Feds halt border listening plan pending study of privacy implications

OTTAWA – The federal government has put the brakes on eavesdropping at border points.

A spokeswoman for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews says he has told the Canada Border Services Agency to halt audio monitoring until a study of the privacy implications is complete.

Julie Carmichael says Toews wants a privacy impact assessment from the border agency and recommendations from the federal privacy commissioner.

Some travellers expressed concern about the apparent plan to record conversations at airports and border crossings.

Carmichael says it is important for agencies to have the right tools to catch smugglers and criminals.

But she adds it is equally important that these tools do not unduly infringe on individuals’ privacy.