Canada’s police chiefs are calling for a new law that would force people to hand over their electronic passwords with a judge’s consent. But there are concerns this would be “unconstitutional”.

A resolution has been passed by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police calling for the legal measure to unlock digital evidence, saying criminals increasingly use encryption to hide illicit activities.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Joe Oliver says criminals are operating online in almost complete anonymity with the help of tools that mask identities and messages. He argues that Canada’s law and policing capabilities must keep pace with the evolution of technology.

David Christopher is a spokesperson for OpenMedia,  a group that works to keep the internet surveillance-free. He says the proposed password scheme is wildly disproportionate because in the case of a laptop computer it would mean handing over the key to your whole personal life and this seems clearly unconstitutional.

The resolution by the police chiefs comes as the governing Liberals in Ottawa begin a consultation on cyber security that will look at issues including the best way to balance online freedoms with the needs of police.

Former Toronto police officer and security expert Ross McLean joins Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back with Libby Znaimer after the noon news to discuss.