Bill C-30, sometimes referred to as the “online spying” or “warrantless surveillance” or “online snooping” bill, is one of the most controversial items of legislation in Canada today. Intended to help police combat online crime by increasing their access to Internet user data, the bill has been criticized by many for overreaching. Critics say the bill -- which would give police access to Internet subscriber data without a warrant -- treats all Canadians as criminals, and infringes on their privacy rights. But supporters say the bill is simply an effort to modernize Canadian online law, and Canada is only following the U.S., Britain and others in granting police these powers. The bill has also been criticized by members of the high-tech business community, who warn that its requirement that Internet providers build an infrastructure to allow real-time monitoring of Internet users could bankrupt some smaller ISPs.