Things to know
- Computer program provisions in Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (known as CASL) impose express (opt-in) consent rules on the installation of a computer program (including updates) another person’s laptop, smartphone, desktop, gaming console or other computing device.
- It is prohibited for a website to automatically install software on a visitor’s computer without getting consent, or for software to be updated without first obtaining consent.
- The consent rules apply regardless of whether the program is installed for a malicious or fraudulent purpose.
- Regulatory guidance suggests that self-installed software (e.g., a download from an app store) is not covered under CASL – although consent is needed for software that is not brought to the attention of the consumer prior to installation.
- Penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to CAD $10 million per violation.
Things to do
- Consider whether Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL) applies in your situation and whether you can rely on an exception to the consent rules.
- If requesting express consent, ensure that your request complies with CASL’s prescriptive notice rules (which include setting out a description in general terms of the functions and purpose of the computer program to be installed, a statement that consent may be withdrawn, the purpose/scope of the consent, and prescribed identity and contact information) and regulator guidance.
- Consider whether your program will trigger “written acknowledgement” rules applicable to certain computer functions that you know and intend to be contrary to reasonable expectations of the owner or authorized user of the device.
Canada Company Registration
Company Formations Canada offers fast and easy company registration in Canada for non-Canadian residents and foreign companies wishing to operate and do business in Canada.
Register a new company in Canada as a non-Canadian resident
https://companyformations.ca/canada-corporations-non-canadian-residents/
Register a foreign company in Canada
https://companyformations.ca/extra-provincial-corporations-licence-outside-canada/
Canada Registered agent services for foreign companies and non-Canadian residents.
https://companyformations.ca/canada-registered-agent-service/
Canada Nominee director services for foreign companies and non-Canadian residents.
Shared from: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt llp Publication
