Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Mandatory Reporting of Internet Child Pornography Bill Receives Royal Assent
Date: March 24, 2011
On March 23, 2011, Bill C-22, an Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service, received Royal Assent.
As previously reported, Bill C-22 imposes a mandatory duty on persons providing an “internet service” (a service providing internet access, e-mail or internet content hosting) to the public to report child pornography in specific cases. This includes where the person has “reasonable grounds to believe” the internet service is being used for this purpose. “Persons” is defined to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations or organizations. There is an offence provision for non-compliance.
The Act will come into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.