CASL – Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation

Lots of changes coming in Canada (and other countries as well) regarding Anti-Spam Legislation and privacy in 2014.

I’m not going to provide you the in’s and outs of what’s what, how it works and what it’s intended to do. As many of you may know, I believe that SPAM is the Internet’s most overused and least understood issue in the digital space.

It’s my opinion that it’s great to be afforded the opportunity to be advised of new information, new products and new companies in the marketplace. I feel we are all lucky to be provided the opportunity to have access to new information. I liken the email mailbox to your current Canada Post box (as you know these are being eliminated). As such, this is the mailbox of the future; I have plenty of ideas on how we can handle these digital changes.

In any event, CASL is upon us and as marketers, we have to make plans and prepare for change. Many indicate that these changes are like throwing out the baby with the bath water. Some have indicated “OVERKILL” and “EXPENSIVE” to implement.

I’ve put together a few LINKS for you:

1)   Government of Canada CASL – (love this name “fightspam.gc.ca” ) wow, some starting place

2)   CRTC

3)   Legal Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt – Lots of great information here.

4)   Legal Barry Sookman – a slideshare presentation for McCarthy Tetrault in this link

 

You’ll note that CASL is all about:

1)   Spamming

2)   Hacking

3)   Malware

4)   Fraud

5)   Privacy Invasion

If you’ve viewed these links, you’ll notice there’s lots of reading and I anticipate lots of change coming. Let’s just hope you aren’t dragged into this and that you don’t need a lawyer.

The Davis LLP piece is a fairly easy read, and provides you the basics. Clearly some legislation is required; it’s been my experience that many overreact to a simple incoming email.

I suggest you rethink your position, as digital communications will continue to be your most reliable and most informative source of information. Keep in mind, one click and it’s gone, don’t let the zealots control the flow of information in the information age. The future is now.

Michael Bickerton, Raven5 Ltd, Oakville, Ontario January 2014

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