Since we live in an age of the internet, it makes sense that you would look for almost anything online. You may believe that watching anything online is very common because you use your personal devices and pay for them.
However, there are exceptions in Canada. Watching some specific things online is illegal in Canada. If law enforcement finds you browsing such stuff or something similar, they will observe you.
Are you curious to know about those contents? In this write-up, you will learn more about it and the potential consequences of viewing such unlawful content online.
Illegal Things to Watch in Canada: Everything You Need to Know
There is no proper monitoring or protection on what you can access online. Despite the increasing number of websites that provide graphic sexual content and nudity, most are lawful.
But in Canada, it’s virtually prohibited to publish content on websites that shows sexual exploitation, aggression, or naked pictures of minors.
Child Pornography
It is legal to watch porn in Canada, but there are a few restrictions. You need to be at least 18 years old, and no minors should be present in the activity. However, it is against the law in Canada for children under the age of 18 to watch nudity or photos of sexual offences.
Besides, producing or distributing pornographic material to children is prohibited in Canada. Once more, it is unlawful to acquire offensive items with the aim to sell, demonstrate, or disclose them publicly.
Using Torrent
Streaming services have prominently increased during the last ten years. Youth are extremely aware of the activity of “torrenting,” or unlawful streaming. However, downloading and watching these copyrighted materials in Canada may lead to imprisonment.
It is illegal to post or watch content that is copyright-protected with BitTorrent. You might also need to reimburse the copyright owner charges, facing the potential of heading to prison. You could lose internet access.
Illegal streaming services that broadcast TV episodes or films without permission can get shut down. You might have to spend time behind bars if you are discovered utilizing one of such websites.
Searching for Doubtful Strong Terms
Cybersecurity specialists keep a careful eye on everything concerning terrorism and explosives since these problems could pose a risk to the entire world. Therefore, a routine check for baggage and pressure cookers can result in your name appearing on a potential terrorist watch list.
Your web usage then will be very tightly regulated, and you may also find yourself discussing your inquiries with specific law enforcers.
The Use of an Assassin
The “dark web” is the criminal underworld on the web. You can get child pornography there by hiring an assassin. Hiring an assassin to kill is illegal. Also, it is illegal to browse the dark web in relation to them.
So be cautious while making these inquiries. Beware of the dark web; they won’t add you to a watchlist for browsing a few gameplay or crime fiction there.
The Criminal Code About Child Pornography
It is against the law to produce or distribute pornographic content in Canada. Collection of such prohibited contents with the intent to sell, display, or display them publicly is equally illegal.
Since a duplicate of the photos might remain on the hard drive of the pc, someone that visits a site containing child pornography and watches it on their pc could be charged with a crime.
Child pornography is defined as follows in the Criminal Code:
- Any depiction of an individual who is younger than 18 or who appears to be under 18 engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour.
- A piece of writing, a graphic portrayal, or a sound tape that promotes or advises having a sexual encounter with someone under 18.
- Any voice clip that prominently features the statement, portrayal, or image of sexual behaviour with an individual under 18, done for sexual purposes, constitutes a violation of the law.
How to Report Child Pornography Voluntarily in Canada?
To spare a child from horrors, you can freely report child exploitation.
The steps are:
- You can file a case with Cybertip.ca or the relevant local authorities, depending on the situation. You can remain anonymous or provide information so that Cybertip.ca can get in touch with you afterward for more information when you publish a report. Any complaints that Cybertip.ca believes to violate the Criminal Code will be sent to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. They’ll keep looking into things thoroughly.
- You could provide details about the individual needing security with the appropriate child welfare agencies.
- You could also contact the ISP with your issues. It is the host of the site in which you discovered the objectionable content.
Final Words
So, these are the things you need to be aware of before watching in Canada. You must therefore be careful to avoid watching the prohibited stuff in Canada now that you are aware of them. Be alert before watching things that are even closer to it. If you do this, you will avoid fines and have a decent track record.
FAQ
Is it illegal to look in someone's window in Canada?
True voyeurism is considered a criminal offence in Canada, but the person or people being watched must not know they are being watched.
Is viewing the same as possessing Canada?
Possession refers to managing the actual file, not the picture or clip displayed. Because of this, having access to pictures or videos does not need direct viewing on the part of the accused.
Is it illegal to go through someone's phone in Canada?
Yes. According to Section 184 of the Criminal Code, a person who intentionally scoops up a private conversation using electromagnetic, acoustic, mechanical, or other equipment is guilty of a crime punishable by up to five years in jail.
Can Canadian police track your phone?
The police normally need the warrant to conduct this. Section 492.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the criteria for when the police might ask for a warrant to trace a cell phone.
