Internet Policy

Libraries have always promoted the right of individuals to acquire information according to their interests. The library exists as a central public avenue for the acquisition of information and remains a place where the free exchange of ideas can take place. In the digital age libraries provide universal public access to diverse digital content and a wide array of websites; meaning that libraries are increasingly public Internet service providers (ISP's) and consumers of Internet services.

CARL will promote broadband network development in Canada and seek an Internet regime that respects user privacy and ensures fair traffic management practices.

Lawful Access

CARL has an ongoing interest in legislation relating to ‘lawful access’ to Internet communication by law enforcement officials in Canada. It is the policy of Canadian research libraries not to divulge information on the reading undertaken by their users. CARL feels strongly that any lawful access legislation brought forward should, as much as possible; take steps to observe the principals of academic freedom and personal privacy that Canadians have come to expect from their public institutions. For more information, please see the following:

  • Letter to the Minister of Public Safety, sent July 14, 2011 PDF
  • Response to CARL letter from the Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews PDF

CARL Submission on Lawful Access Consultation (2007) PDF

Open letter from Federal privacy commissioners (2011) PDF

 

Broadband Penetration

CARL believes that reliable and affordable high speed Internet access is in the interest of all Canadians, and encourages the government to undertake policy initiatives to bring about an increase in Broadband Internet access.

For the complete CARL policy please click here.

 

Net Neutrality

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries believes that, in as much as possible, and wherever appropriate, Canadian Internet service providers and the government should seek to remove barriers to Internet access.  All regulation of Internet services should aspire to treat any content, sites, and platforms equally; while maximizing the Internets development as a useful public information network. Libraries have long recognized the Internet as a digital commons, and CARL supports the increase of variety and access to Internet technologies.

For the complete CARL policy on Net Neutrality, please click here.