Overview of Canada’s new anti-spam legislation

Canada’s anti-spam law (CASL) comes into force on July 1, 2014 and introduces new rules around the use of “commercial electronic messages,” the alteration of transmission data, and the installation of computer software on to another person’s computer or device. Many day-to-day activities associated with newspaper publishing can be affected by the new regulations, including sending an email to prospective customers, permitting a mobile application to be downloaded, or operating a website. Failure to comply with the new rules could invite significant fines or even attract a private action.

The new rules for sending electronic messages and installing computer programs (including mobile device applications) have the potential to impact a number of aspects of the newspaper business, particularly in electronic marketing, subscriber communications, and network/website management.

Newspapers Canada is providing members with an overview of the key requirements of Canada’s anti-spam law, in advance of the first phase coming into effect.

Detailed information and government documents are available at the link below.

Learn more about CASL »