Established Areas of Privacy: Difference between revisions

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[[fr:Zones_établies_de_confidentialité]]
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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
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Courts have set out specific rules and principles when dealing with certain situations where privacy interests have been found. Those circumstances include searches of persons, residences, vehicles, storage, and more recently electronic devices.
Courts have set out specific rules and principles when dealing with certain situations where privacy interests have been found. Those circumstances include searches of persons, residences, vehicles, storage, and more recently electronic devices.


A person can have a reasonable expectation of privacy "related to contraband".<ref>
A person can have a reasonable expectation of privacy "related to contraband."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|AM|1wnbf|2008 SCC 19 (CanLII)|[2008] SCJ No 19}}{{perSCC|LeBel J}}{{atL|1wnbf|73}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|AM|1wnbf|2008 SCC 19 (CanLII)|[2008] SCJ No 19}}{{perSCC|LeBel J}}{{atL|1wnbf|73}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Butters|g6r5l|2014 ONCJ 228 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Paciocco J}}{{atL|g6r5l|26}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Butters|g6r5l|2014 ONCJ 228 (CanLII)|311 CCC (3d) 516}}{{perONCJ|Paciocco J}}{{atL|g6r5l|26}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


==Person==
==Zones of Privacy==
; Bags, Pockets, Purses
* [[Established Areas of Territorial Privacy]]
Bags and pockets are protected.<ref>
* [[Established Areas of Informational Privacy]]
{{CanLIIR|Grant|24kwz|2009 SCC 32 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ and Charron J}}<br>
* [[Established Areas of Personal Privacy]]
</ref>
 
An individual who attends a hospital for medical treatment is entitled to expect that his clothing will be held by the facility until discharged. Hospitals have been identified as an area of concern for the protection of privacy. <ref>
{{CanLIIR|Pickton|2c72m|2006 BCSC 1098 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Williams J}}{{atL|2c72m|38}} citing {{CanLIIR|Calarusso|1frw6|1994 CanLII 134 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Lamer C.J. and Cory, McLachlin and Major JJ}}{{atL|1frw6|70}}</ref>
 
; Bodily Samples
DNA samples taken as part of a previous sentence is not protected by a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|DeJesus|2ch4l|2010 ONCA 581 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>
 
; Fingerprints
Fingerprints taken as part of a previous sentence is not protected by a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Jackpine (Rodgers)|1n3br|2006 SCC 15 (CanLII)|[2006] 1 SCR 554, 207 CCC (3d) 225 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}{{atL|1n3br|43}} - anything taken under the ''Identification of Criminals Act'' has no REP</ref>
 
; Photographs
Photographs taken as part of a previous sentence is not protected by a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{ibid1|Jackpine (Rodgers)}}{{atL|1n3br|43}} - anything taken under the ''Identification of Criminals Act'' has no REP</ref>
 
; Body Cavity
Strip searches can be humiliating, embarrassing, and degrading for the accused.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Golden|51xm|2001 SCC 83 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}{{atL|51xm|89}}</ref>
It is also one of the most extreme forms of search available to police.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Flintoff|538d|1998 CanLII 632}}{{atL|538d|24}}</ref>
 
; Inmates
A person convicted of a crime has a reduced expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Briggs|1fg12|2001 CanLII 24113 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Weiler JA}}{{atsL|1fg12|33| to 35}}<br>
</ref>
Accordingly, an inmate should have less expectation of privacy in their personal zone of privacy.<ref>
{{ibid1|Briggs}}</ref>
 
; Sound of Voice
There is no reasonable expectation of privacy in the "sound" of one's voice.
<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Pelland|6h5s|1997 CanLII 502 (ON CA)|99 OAC 62, 34 WCB (2d) 356 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{TheCourtONCA}} - police surreptitiously record the accused voice in a public place<br>
{{CanLIIR|Adam et al|1pmdd|2006 BCSC 1430 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Romilly J}}{{atsL|1pmdd|9| to 11}} - use of voice may still violate s. 13 for incrimination.
</ref>
 
; Licences and registration
There is no intrusion on REP where a person is required to present documents proving compliance with a legal requirement in order to have a right of privilege.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hufsky|1ftg3|1988 CanLII 72|[1988] 1 SCR 621}}{{perSCC|Le Dain J}}</ref>
 
; Upskirts and Down Shirts
Recording the cleavage area of a female using a hidden camera intrudes upon the female's expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Jarvis|hxj07|2019 SCC 10 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Wagner CJ}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Vehicles==
A driver has a reasonable expectation of privacy for the contents of his motor vehicle.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Belnavis|6jgz|1996 CanLII 4007|91 OAC 3 (CA), 107 CCC (3d) 195 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}; appeal dismissed [http://canlii.ca/t/1fqzw 1997 CanLII 320], [1997] 3 SCR 341{{perSCC|Cory J}} at 19</ref>
Likewise, a person in possession of a vehicle, even if not the owner, will also have a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Ahmed|j0sp0|2019 SKCA 47 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA|Barrington-Foote JA}}{{atL|j0sp0|18}} ("Mr. Ahmed had possession of the vehicle with the permission of the owner. As such, he had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the vehicle: ...")<br>
{{supra1|Belnavis}}{{AtL|6jgz|33}}<br>
</ref>
 
The reasonable expectation of privacy for a vehicle is low or reduced.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Alkins|1r4fd|2007 ONCA 264 (CanLII)|[2007] OJ No 1348 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Shankar|1r4zm|2007 ONCA 280 (CanLII)|[2007] OJ No 1406 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{perONCA|Gillese JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Rebelo|1r6tr|2007 ONCA 289 (CanLII)|[2007] OJ No 1468 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{TheCourt}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Caslake|1fqww|1998 CanLII 838 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}{{atL|1fqww|15}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Nicolosi|6h03|1998 CanLII 2006 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}{{atL|6h03|9}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Harflett|gp6lb|2016 ONCA 248 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Lauwers JA}}{{atL|gp6lb|47}}<br>
</ref>
It is considered more limited than locations such as houses.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Wise|1fsdl|1992 CanLII 125 (SCC)|[1992] 1 SCR 527}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}{{atL|1fsdl|6}} ("although there remains an expectation of privacy in automobile travel, it is markedly decreased relative to the expectation of privacy in one's home or office.")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Belnavis|1fqzw|1997 CanLII 320 (SCC)|[1997] 3 SCR 341}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Higgins|1ngfp|1996 CanLII 5774 (QC CA)|111 CCC (3d) 206 (QCCA)}}{{perQCCA|Otis JA}}{{atp|212}} <br>
</ref>
This applies even on any public roadway.<ref>
{{ibid1|Higgins}}</ref>
 
Police, however, are entitled to perform a visual examination of the interior of a vehicle, including with the use of a flashlight, for safety purposes incidental to a lawful vehicle stop.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Bonilla-Perez|g6dm3|2014 ONSC 2031 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Code J}}{{atL|g6dm3|37}}<br>
</ref>
 
Passengers, however, do not generally have a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>See [[Applications_and_Motions_Procedure#Standing|Standing]]</ref>
However, in some cases they can. It will depend on the totality of the circumstances including the passenger's connection with the vehicle, the vehicle's owner, the passenger's use of the vehicle, and ability to control access to it.<ref>
{{supra1|Belnavis}}{{atp|22}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Madore & Madeira|fqzrs|2012 BCCA 160 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Finch CJ}}{{atL|fqzrs|55}}<br>
</ref>
 
; Door-handle
Any residues on the doorhandle of a vehicle is protected by a lowered expectation of privacy when subject to an Ion Scanner swabbing to detect the presence of drug residue.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Wong|gxqf3|2017 BCSC 306 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Kent J}}<br>
</ref>
However, it will still require a judicial authorization to use.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Wawrykiewycz|j6nlj|2020 ONCA 269 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Pardu JA}} - ("I would hold that taking samples of residue left by a suspect’s hands on the handles of a vehicle, and subjecting those samples to chemical analysis, is an intrusion for which a warrant should be required.")
</ref>
It is unsettled whether a swab, rather than an Ion Scan, may be available without a warrant. By analogy to drug-sniffing dogs, the presence of reasonable suspicion may be enough to perform a swab without a warrant.
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Buildings==
===Residences===
 
; House
There is a high expectation of privacy in a house. Unlawful entry will be a serious intrusion on the person's privacy rights.<ref>
see {{CanLIIR|Silveira|1frk8|1995 CanLII 89 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Cory J}} at 463-4, 495-6 (the “historic inviolability of a dwelling-house”) and ("There is no place on earth where persons can have a greater expectation of privacy than within their "dwelling‑house"")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Dhillon|2chjx|2010 ONCA 582 (CanLII)|[2010] OJ No 3749 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Simmons JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Tessling|1j0wb|2004 SCC 67 (CanLII)|[2004] 3 SCR 432, 189 CCC (3d) 129}}{{perSCC|Binnie J}} at 139<br>
</ref>
It is recognized that "our most intimate and private activities are most likely to take place" in the residence.<ref>
{{ibid1|Tessling}}{{AtL|1j0wb|22}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Silveira|1frk8|1995 CanLII 89 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}{{atL|1frk8|140}}<br>
</ref>
 
A police's authority to investigate at a residence without a warrant, barring the established exceptions, "ends at the door".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Landry|1ftvb|1986 CanLII 48 (SCC)|[1986] 1 SCR 145}}{{perSCC|Estey J}}{{atL|1ftvb|85}} ("At present the rule is clear. Absent well recognized and widely supported exceptions, they may not enter private homes. These exceptions apart, their authority ends at the door. That rule protects them and the public from violence.")<br>
</ref>
 
It can "be presumed unless the contrary is shown in a particular case that information about what happens inside the home is regarded by the occupants as private".<ref>
{{supra1|Tessling}}{{AtL|1j0wb|144}}
</ref>
 
A search of a dwelling is considered an invasion of a place with the "highest degree of privacy", especially when the intrusion is at night.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Sutherland|1fbjz|2000 CanLII 17034 (ON CA)|150 CCC (3d) 231}}{{perONCA|Carthy JA}}{{atL|1fbjz|239}} ("search of a dwelling house must be approached with the degree of responsibility appropriate to an invasion of a place where the highest degree of privacy is expected") see also para 23 citing US case of Gooding v US</ref>
 
However, the privacy in a residence does not "cloak the home in an impenetrable veil of privacy".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Gomboc|2dhlk|2010 SCC 55 (CanLII)|[2010] 3 SCR 211}}{{atL|2dhlk|46}}
</ref>
 
; Illegality of Activities Not Relevant
The fact that illegal activities are being carried out within the residence doe not reduce the level of privacy.<ref>
{{supra1|Silveira}}{{atL|1frk8|41}}</ref>
 
A person will have a diminished expectation of privacy where legislation authorizes police intrusion.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|DLW|fts53|2012 BCSC 1700 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Romilly J}}{{atL|fts53|38}}<br>
("A person has a restricted objective expectation of privacy when legislation authorizes the police’s intrusion into that person’s privacy.")</ref>
 
Police intrusion upon private property can only be permitted "only by powers granted in clear statutory language"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Kokesch|1fsq7|1990 CanLII 55 (SCC)|[1990] 3 SCR 3, 61 CCC (3d) 207}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}}{{Atp|218}} ("... This court consistently has held that the common law rights of the property holder to be free of police intrusion can be restricted only by powers granted in clear statutory language.")
</ref>
 
; Non-residents Found Inside
A non-resident to a residence may have an expectation of privacy, although diminished, where evidence shows that they had personal property that was kept there.
<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Jones|fzchh|2013 BCPC 149 (CanLII)}}{{perBCPC|Woods J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Vi|22072|2008 BCCA 481 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Finch CJ}}<br>
</ref>
However, it can vary depending on the application do the Edwards factors.<ref>
{{supra1|Edwards}} - no REP in residence of accused girlfriend's home
</ref>
 
A person who is merely related to the owner and possesses keys to the location may not have any expectation of privacy.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Edwardsen|j1gtl|2019 BCCA 259 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Harris JA}}{{AtL|j1gtl|58}}
</ref>
 
; Private Residences Used for Commercial Purposes
A residence that is "solely for the commercial trade in drugs" has a "diminished privacy interest".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Nguyen|flxb7|2011 ONCA 465 (CanLII)|273 CCC (3d) 37}}{{perONCA|Blair JA}}{{atL|flxb7|61}}
{{CanLIIR|Shin|ggrtc|2015 ONCA 189 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Gillese JA}}{{atL|ggrtc|68}}
</ref>
 
; Apartment Buildings
There is a diminished, if any, privacy in the hallway of an apartment building.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Brar|1vd3k|2008 MBQB 1 (CanLII)}}{{perMBQB|MacInnes J}}{{atL|1vd3k|44}}
</ref>
Occupants of an apartment building are permitted to expect that the only people present would be other occuapnts or invitees, and that the public would be excluded.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Pipping|j6bvs|2020 BCCA 104 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Garson JA}}
</ref>
 
Filming the hallway of an apartment, whether or not the interior of the apartments are visible, without a warrant, will generally require a warrant.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Batac|hq0jn|2018 ONSC 546 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Dambrot J}} <br>
{{CanLIIR|Sandhu|hqkpf|2018 ABQB 112 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Antonio J}}
</ref>
 
Covert surveillance of a hallway by an undercover officer requires a general warrant.<Ref>
{{supra1|Pipping}}
</ref>
 
; Temporary Dwellings
A rented hotel suite has an expectation of privacy while the suspect is renting it.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Mercer|g1390|1992 CanLII 7729 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Arbour JA}} - police were let into a hotel room by the owner after a cleaner found an amount of cash and drugs in a pillow case in closet<br>
see also [http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/10a0326p-06.pdf US v Domenech], 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
</ref>Objects outside of plain view of the cleaner can be expected to be private despite the presence of cleaning staff.<ref>
Mercer</ref>
 
Each unit of a rooming-house will be protected by the REP of the tenant for that room.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Campbell|flz50|2011 SCC 32 (CanLII)|[2011] 2 SCR 549}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}
</ref>
 
A tenant of a multi-unit building has the same expectation of privacy as a single dwelling unit. A search of a multi-unit building must set out "reasonable and probable grounds for each unit to be searched".<ref>
{{ibid1|Campbell}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Non-dwelling Premises===
Provided that there is an expectation of privacy in a non-dwelling premises, the accused's standing may invoked where he has "an ownership interest in the premises" absence countervailing evidence.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Fankhanel|2bqs6|1999 CanLII 19075 (AB QB)}}{{perABQB-H|Veit J}}<br>
cf. {{CanLIIRP|Pugliese|1npnm|1992 CanLII 2781 (ON CA)|71 CCC (3d) 295 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA|Finlayson JA}} - no standing for owner of building who did not live in it<br>
</ref>
 
; Workplaces and Businesses
The search of a private office will generally require a warrant.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Rao|g12df|1984 CanLII 2184 (ON CA)|46 OR (2d) 80, 10 CRR 275, 12 CCC (3d) 97}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}} ("I have, for the reasons which I have set forth, concluded that the search of an office without a warrant where the obtaining of a warrant is not impracticable, is unreasonable and, to that extent, s. 10(1)(a) (of the Narcotic Control Act) is of no force and effect.")
</ref>
 
A works place has a "relatively low expectation of privacy" in respect to the premises and documents used and produced in the course of business.<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Thomson Newspapers Ltd. v Canada (Director of Investigation and Research, Restrictive Trade Practices Commission)|1fsz8|1990 CanLII 135 (SCC)|[1990] 1 SCR 425}}{{perSCC|La Forest J}}{{atL|1fsz8|123}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Silveira|1frk8|1995 CanLII 89 (SCC)|[1995] 2 SCR 297}}{{perSCC|L'Heureux-Dube J}} in dissent{{atL|1frk8|117}}  ("I note that our Court has previously discussed, with respect to the reasonableness of searches and seizures under s. 8 of the Charter, the lower expectancy of privacy in a workplace.")<br>
</ref>
 
A business "open to the public" has an "implied invitation" for everyone to enter. As such, it has no reasonable expectation of privacy from police.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Fitt|1mqf2|1995 CanLII 4342 (NS CA)|96 CCC (3d) 341}}{{perNSSC|Hallett JJA}} aff'd (1996) 103 CCC (3d) 224 (SCC), [1996] 1 SCR 70, [http://canlii.ca/t/1frfb 1996 CanLII 251] (SCC){{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Spindloe|1fjk0|2001 SKCA 58 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA|Jackson JA}}<br>
</ref>
 
; Schools
The privacy interests of a student attending a school is "significantly diminished".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|MRM|1fqq9|1998 CanLII 770 (SCC)|[1998] 3 SCR 393}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}{{atL|1fqq9|33}}<br>
{{supra1|Tessling}}{{atL|1j0wb|22}}<br>
</ref>
 
Students have no expectations of privacy while engaged in common activites on the school premises.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Jarvis|h6lql|2017 ONCA 778 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Feldman JA}}
</ref>
 
; Public Washrooms
A public washroom where a person in engaging in sexual activity is ''not'' necessarily protected by a REP.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|LeBeau|22kn3|1988 CanLII 3271 (ON CA)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>
However, in some cases a bathroom stall will be considered private.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Wegner|h2mnt|2017 ONSC 1791 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Fairburn J}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Holding Cells and Prisons===
Generally, a prison inmate will not usually have any expectation of privacy in a correctional facility.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lamirande|1dj62|2002 MBCA 41 (CanLII)|164 CCC (3d) 299 (Man.C.A.)}}{{perMBCA|Scott CJ}}{{atL|1dj62|31}} - no REP in documents held by inmate
</ref>
 
There is a "substantially reduced level of privacy" in a prison setting.<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Weatherall v Canada (Attorney General)|1fs1z|1993 CanLII 112 (SCC)|[1993] 2 SCR 872}}{{perSCC|LaForest J}}{{atp|877}} ("A substantially reduced level of privacy is present in this setting and a prisoner thus cannot hold a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to these practices.") <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Major|1hcgw|2004 CanLII 12791 (ON CA)|186 CCC (3d) 513, 23 CR (6th) 294}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}, denied leave [2005] SCCA No 106 - expectation of privacy in family visit trailer<br>
</ref>
The search of a prison cell or frisk of a prisoner and other practices are not subject to any expectation of privacy.<ref>
Weatherall v Canada (Attorney General){{atp|877}} ("Imprisonment necessarily entails surveillance, searching and scrutiny.  A prison cell is expected to be exposed and to require observation.  The frisk search, the count and the wind are all practices necessary in a penitentiary for the security of the institution, the public and indeed the prisoners themselves.")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Lamirande|1dj62|2002 MBCA 41 (CanLII)|164 CCC (3d) 299}}{{perMBCA|Scott CJ}}, denied leave [2002] SCCA No 203<br>
</ref>
 
An inmate in a correctional facility has a very limited expectation of privacy over their phone calls.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Drader|fqkdb|2012 ABQB 168 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Macklin J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|McIsaac|1k8bl|2005 BCSC 385 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Parrrett J}}<br>
</ref>
 
An accused person being held in a police cell has an expectation of privacy over his own speech, absent a sign warning that there may be recording devices present.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Mohamud|2f1n7|2010 ONSC 6264 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Pomerance J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Simon|fxm84|2013 ABQB 95 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Moreau J}}</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Airports and Border Crossings===
Border crossings are an exceptional case to reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Simmons|1ftcb|1988 CanLII 12 (SCC)|45 CCC (3d) 296, [1988] 2 SCR 495}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}} ("...the degree of personal privacy reasonably expected at customs is lower than in most other situations. People do not expect to be able to cross international borders free from scrutiny.")<br>
See also {{CanLIIRP|Monney|1fqnx|1999 CanLII 678 (SCC)|[1999] 1 SCR 652, 133 CCC (3d) 129}}{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}} <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Jacques|1fr7n|1996 CanLII 174 (SCC)|[1996] 3 SCR 312, 110 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perSCC|Gonthier J}}<br>
</ref>
 
There is a lower expectation of privacy since people accept that foreign countries have a right to control who enters their country and can screen people for illegal goods. This permits physical searches of luggage and person "where there are grounds for suspecting that a person has made false declaration and is transporting prohibited goods."<ref>
{{supra1|Simmons}}{{atps|528-29}} [SCR]
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Outdoor Areas===
Trespasser growing marijuana in abandoned but secluded fields do not possess any REP.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lauda|1fqrt|1998 CanLII 804 (SCC)|[1998] 2 SCR 683}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Storage==
 
===Schools===
School lockers have a reduced expectation of privacy due to school's authorities responsibility to provide a "safe environment and maintaining order and discipline in the school".<ref>
{{CanLIIR|MRM|1fqq9|1998 CanLII 770 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Cory J}}<br>
see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._v._M._(M.R.)<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Storage Lockers===
A bus stop locker will be private despite emanations from the locker.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Buhay|1g6p7|2003 SCC 30 (CanLII)|[2003] 1 SCR 631}}{{perSCC|Arbour J}}<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Suit Cases===
There is a reasonable expectation of privacy in a suit case.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Kang-Brown|1wnbc|2008 SCC 18 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|LeBel J}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Packages===
Parcel accepted for delivery by a courier service can still have a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Fry|27prk|1999 CanLII 18945 (NL CA)|(1999) NJ No 352, 142 CCC (3d) 166}}{{perNLCA|Green JA}}
</ref>
However, that objective expectation can be negated by circumstances such as search clause in the shipping contract.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Godbout|g8kk8|2014 BCCA 319 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Goepel JA}} - police open package without warrant
</ref>
 
Where a package has been opened either unlawfully or inadvertently by a non-state agent, discovering evidence of an offence such as cocaine, there may still be a reasonable expectation of privacy requiring a warrant.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Washington|1tkht|2007 BCCA 540 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Ryan JA}}<br>
cf. {{CanLIIR|Snow|1knrc|2005 NLTD 81 (CanLII)}}{{perNLSC|Dymond J}} - opened package seizeable without warrant
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Garbage===
Garbage bags themselves contain information that "paint a fairly accurate and complete picture of the householder's activities and lifestyles".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Patrick|231wj|2009 SCC 17 (CanLII)|[2009] 1 SCR 579}}{{perSCC|Binnie J}}{{atL|231wj|30}}<br>
</ref>
 
Generally speaking, materials found in a dumpster or left on the street curb for pickup are [[Warrantless Search of Abandoned Property|abandoned]] and so have no expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Sipes|fxh4n|2008 BCSC 1500 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Smart J}} and {{CanLII|fvfd1|2012 BCSC 1948 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Smart J}}<br>
{{supra1|Patrick}}<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Business Records==
Business records found in the accused's place of business will be protected.<ref>
E.g. {{CanLIIRPC|Hunter v Southam|1mgc1|1984 CanLII 33 (SCC)|[1984] 2 SCR 145}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}}
</ref>
 
Telephone records detailing contact between various persons has a reduced expectation of privacy, in comparison to personal medical records<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|M(B)|1nptj|1998 CanLII 13326 (ON CA)| OR (3d) 1 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atL|1nptj|62}}<br>
See also, {{CanLIIRP|Hutchings|1f07v|1996 CanLII 703 |}}{{perBCCA|McEachern JA}}{{atL|1f07v|25}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Mahmood|fnr5s|2011 ONCA 693 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Watt JA}}{{atL|fnr5s|98}}</ref>
 
Several lines of cases have developed on the issue of whether there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in subscriber information associated with business accounts, in particular IP addresses.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Graff|gjrhf|2015 ABQB 415 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Neilsen J}} - No REP on IP when it doe not divulge personal information<br
</ref>Generally they have sided on there not being privacy rights in "tombstone" information of a person since it is freely available to the public.<ref>
No REP:
{{CanLIIR|Ward|ft0ft|2012 ONCA 660 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Thomas|fx63f|2013 ABQB 223 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Jerke J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Caza|fqzgm|2012 BCSC 525 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Powers J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Friers|, [2008] OJ No 5646 (Ct. Jus.)}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Verge|, [2009] OJ No 6300 (Ct. Jus.)}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Vasic|23jrk|2009 CanLII 23884 (ON SC)}}{{perONSC|Thorburn J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Wilson|, [2009] OJ No 1067 (Sup. Ct.)}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Spencer|2d2hl|2009 SKQB 341 (CanLII)|[2009] S.J. No 798 (Q.B.)}}{{perSKQB|Foley J}} appealed to [http://canlii.ca/t/g7dzn 2014 SCC 43] (CanLII){{perSCC|Cromwell J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|McNeice|2d5dp|2010 BCSC 1544 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Meiklem J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Brousseau|2fcf5|2010 ONSC 6753 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Croll J}} <br>
{{CanLIIR|Ballendine|fl8xf|2011 BCCA 221 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Frankel JA}} <br>
Yes, REP:<br>
{{CanLIIR|Trapp|fp3n3|2011 SKCA 143 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA|Cameron JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Cuttell|25z7h|2009 ONCJ 471 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Pringle J}}<br>
</ref>
In certain cases this will turn on the service contract. Where a contract is not in evidence a court is more likely to find in favour of there being a expectation of privacy.<ref>
e.g. in {{ibid1|Cuttell}}{{atL|25z7h|57}}</ref>
 
Whether a person has a bank account with a particular bank does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy because that information does not reveal any core biographical information.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Quinn|1nc1t|2006 BCCA 255 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Thackray J}} - police were allowed to speak to bank to find out if accused had an account there and used that information for a search warrant.</ref>
 
; Employment Records
Employment records generally are considered private and confidential, containing personal information about an individual's "employment terms and conditions, performance evaluations, salary and benefits paid or payable, seniority standing, discipline, commendations or reprimands, all of which directly impact the individual’s identity or self worth."<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Musselwhite|1jpv9|2004 BCPC 443 (CanLII)}}{{perBCPC|Dhillon J}}{{atL|1jpv9|63}}<br>
</ref>
 
; Records Produced in Ordinary Course of Business
Those records produced during the ordinary course of business of regulated activities will have a diminished expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Jarvis|50d7|2002 SCC 73 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Iacobucci and Major JJ}}{{atL|50d7|72}}<br>
e.g. {{CanLIIRPC|Thomson newspapers ltd. v Canada (Director of investigation and research, restrictive trade practices commission)|1fsz8|1990 CanLII 135 (SCC)|[1990] 1 SCR 425}}{{perSCC|La Forest J}}{{atp|507}}<br>
</ref>
 
; Documents Seized During a Regulatory Inspection
Documents seized during a regulatory inspection are ''not'' subject to a REP.<ref>
{{ibid1|Thomson newspapers ltd}}
</ref>
 
; Utility Records
Utility records specifically have been found not to hold a high degree of expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Tran|1r695|2007 ABPC 90 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC|Van de Veen J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Cheung|1rg07|2007 SKCA 51 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtSKCA}}<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Service Providers===
 
An account holder with an internet service provider has a expectation of privacy over the Customer Name and Address (CNA) records that are associated with an assigned IP address.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Spencer|g7dzn|2014 SCC 43 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Cromwell J}}{{atL|g7dzn|47}}<br>
</ref>
 
There is no expectation of privacy with the CNA records associated with a telephone or cellphone number.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Khan|gj7rj|2014 ONSC 5664 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC| Code J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|TELUS Communications Company|gjlbq|2015 ONSC 3964 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Nordheimer J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Lattif|ggmfc|2015 ONSC 1580 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Nordheimer J}} <br>
cf. {{CanLIIRC|Re Subscriber Information|gkldk|2015 ABPC 178 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC|Henderson J}} - asks whether this applies only to non-internet accessible phones
</ref>
 
{{Reflist|2}}
 
==Personal Communications==
Generally, the private conversations, including private telephone calls, are protected by a REP.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Duarte|1fszz|1990 CanLII 150 (SCC)|[1990] 1 SCR 30}}{{perSCC|La Forest J}} - face-to-face conversations<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Shayesteh|6j4c|1996 CanLII 882 (ON CA)| OR (3d) 161 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Charron JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Deacon|24nv4|2008 CanLII 78109 (ON SC)|[2008] OJ No 5756}}{{perONSC|Trafford J}}<br>
</ref>  However, there exist communications that are not protected.<ref>
e.g. see {{CanLIIR|Moldovan|26bff|2009 CanLII 58062 (ON SC)}}{{perONSC|R Clark J}}{{atL|26bff|43}}<br>
{{supra1|Duarte}}{{atL|1fszz|28}}<br>
</ref>
 
The court may look at the contents of the communications to determine whether there is a subjective and objective expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Marakah|hp63v|2017 SCC 59 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}} <br>
{{supra1|Moldovan}}{{atL|26bff|44}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|McIsaac|1k8bl|2005 BCSC 385 (CanLII)|[2005] BCJ No 946 (SC)}}{{perBCSC|Parrett J}}{{atL|1k8bl|67}} - re wiretaps on jail phone calls<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bartkowski|1l2wp|2004 BCSC 44 (CanLII)|[2004] BCJ No 2950 (SC)}}{{perBCSC|Macaulay J}} - re wiretaps phone calls<br>
</ref>
 
; Subject matter of Intrusion
In a communication by electronic means, the subject of the intrusion is ''not'' the device but rather the "conversation".<ref>
{{supra1|Marakah}}<br>
</ref>
 
The fact that the sender of a message in an the electronic conversation knows that there is as risk that the recipient may disclose the conversation is not the same as understanding of a risk that the state may intrude on the conversation.<ref>
{{ibid1|Marakah}}<br>
</ref>
 
; Control
Control as a factor in analysis of REP must be considered in relation to the subject matter of the search, which is, when talking about online communications is the "electronic conversation".<ref>
{{ibid1|Marakah}}<br>
</ref>
 
Control over the electronic conversation is only one factor in the analysis of expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{ibid1|Marakah}}<br>
</ref>
 
; Awareness of lack of privacy
Where the conversation makes many references the lack of confidence in the privacy of the conversation may be sufficient to eliminate subjective expectations of privacy.<ref>
e.g. {{supra1|Moldovan}} - many statements such as "Listen, man, we shouldn’t talk about it on the phone." <br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
===Social Media and Text Messages===
Telephone calls by accused in custody, often where there are signs indicating that the conversation is not private, will reduce or eliminate any subjective expectation of privacy.<ref>
e.g. see {{CanLIIRP|McIsaac|1k8bl|2005 BCSC 385 (CanLII)|[2005] BCJ No 946 (SC)}}{{perBCSC|Parrett J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bartkowski|1l2wp|2004 BCSC 44 (CanLII)|[2004] BCJ No 2950 (SC)}}{{perBCSC|Macaulay J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Ballantyne|234bf|2008 BCSC 1566 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Chamberlist J}}<br>
</ref>
 
The text messages of the accused, present on a third-party's phone, may be subject to a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Marakah|hp63v|2017 SCC 59 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Pelucco|gkrd1|2015 BCCA 370 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Groberman JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Craig|gpbj5|2016 BCCA 154 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA| Bennett JA}}<br>
cf. {{CanLIIR|Lowrey|gs1vr|2016 ABPC 131 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC| Rosborough J}} - police access Facebook account of luring victim and seize text messages between victim and accused<br>
</ref>
 
; Protections Upon "Electronic Conversations"
The protection of the "electronic conversation" includes "existence of the conversation, the identities of the participants, the information shared, and any inferences about associations and activities that can be drawn from that information".<ref>
{{supra1|Marakah}}{{atL|hp63v|20}}<br>
</ref>
 
An electronic communication by Facebook messenger between romantic partners may or may not require a warrant, depending on the circumstances. Where the texts Between the complainant and accused corroborate the allegations made by the complainant, there a suggestion that there is no expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|WM|j3hqz|2019 ONSC 6535 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Davies J}}
</ref>
 
Depending on the "totality of circumstances", the sender of text messages that have been received by the recipient may still be able to retain privacy rights over  the content of the messages.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Marakah|hp63v|2017 SCC 59 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}}{{atL|hp63v|4}} ("...depending on the totality of the circumstances, text messages that have been sent and received may in some cases be protected under s. 8 and that [the sender] had standing to argue that the text messages at issue enjoy s. 8 protection.")<br>
</ref>
This, however, does not mean that a sender ''always'' has an expectation of privacy, it will depend on the case-by-case analysis under ''Edwards''.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Vickerson|hq2r1|2018 BCCA 39 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Bennett JA}}{{atL|hq2r1|54}}<br>
</ref>
 
The existence of a REP will be case-specific. It will include consideration of the "nature of the communication".<ref>
{{CanLIIR|MS|j2l5s|2019 ONCJ 670 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Chapman J}}{{AtL|j2l5s|68}}
</ref>
 
Loss of control over the communication is not determinative of the issue.<Ref>
{{supra1|Marakah}}
</ref>
 
; Undercover Online Police
It seem communications with undercover police officers online would ''not'' engage a privacy protection.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Graff|gjrhf|2015 ABQB 415 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Neilsen J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Kwok|, [2008] OJ No 2414}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Caza|fqzgm|2012 BCSC 525 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Powers J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Ghotra|, [20015] OJ No 7253 (ONSC) }}{{perONSC|Durno J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Vader|gs1dj|2016 ABQB 309 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Thomas J}} - cell phone text messages obtained from ISP by production order after they have been sent<br>
{{CanLIIR|Mills|gxfxd|2017 NLCA 12 (CanLII)}}{{perNLCA|Welsh JA}} leave to appeal to SCC granted - involved active screen capture by the police officer<br>
</ref>
 
; Facebook
An open facebook profile containing broadcast communications are not protected by a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Patterson|ht1l4|2018 ONSC 4187 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Bawden J}}{{atsL|ht1l4|6|, 8}}, {{atsL-np|ht1l4|21| and 33}}<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Packages===
The address and name of person with signing authority are not subject to a reasonable expectation of privacy and are obtainable without warrant.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|PDC|jdk5w|2021 ONCA 134 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Rouleau JA}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Electronic Devices==
Data found on electronic devices are generally protected by "informational privacy". However, the analysis often makes use of the metaphors with territorial privacy.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Marakah|hp63v|2017 SCC 59 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}}{{atsL|hp63v|25| to 30}}<br>
</ref>
{{reflist|2}}
===Computers===
; Generally
Any electronic device (computer, cell phone, etc) will contain information detailing a persons life that can be "deeply personal". Personal information can be found in:
<ref>
see discussion in {{CanLIIRP|Polius|24ntc|2009 CanLII 37923 (ON SC)|[2009] OJ No 3074 (Sup. Ct.)}}{{perONSC|Trafford J}}</ref>
* Contact Information (detailing names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and similar information);
* Internet Browsing (history of websites, log-in information, passwords, form data);
* Calendars;
* Photographs and videos;
* Messages (emails, texts, voicemails);
* Phone Call Logs (dialled/received/missed calls, caller identification);
 
A lack of exclusive control over the control over contents of the information is not a sole basis for finding a lack of expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{supra1|Cole}}{{atL|ft969|54}}</ref>
 
; Home and Personal Computers
Home and personal computers are imbued with a high degree of privacy due to the frequency that it contains intimate correspondence, financial, medical, or personal information. In addition to our personal interests and tastes.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Morelli|28mrg|2010 SCC 8 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}{{atL|28mrg|105}}</ref>
According to the Morelli court, the level of privacy does not get much higher.<ref>
{{ibid1|Morelli}}{{atL|28mrg|2}}: (“It is difficult to imagine a search more intrusive, extensive, or invasive of one's privacy than the search and seizure of a personal computer.”</ref>
 
The high expectation exists not only due to amount of intimate personal information is stored on the devices but also because of its high capacity to store data, the existence of a significant amount of information that the user is unaware of, such as metadata and tracking history, it also stores data after its deletion and may provide access to sources outside of the device.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Vu|g1r8p|2013 SCC 60 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Cromwell J}}{{atsL|g1r8p|42|, 43}}<br>
</ref>
 
Generally, all personal electronic devices similar to home computers have a high level of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR-N|Choudry|, [2009] OJ No 84 (ONSC)}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Little|2509x|2009 CanLII 41212 (ON SC)}}{{perONSC|Fuerst J}}<br>
{{supra1|Polius}}<br>
</ref>
 
It is suggested that the degree of privacy is lessened where a personal computer has been brought to a repair shop.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Graham|27gk6|2010 ONSC 119 (CanLII)|[2010] OJ No 146 (Sup. Ct.)}}{{perONSC|Desotti J}}: ( Defence argued a high degree of privacy in the computer at the repair shop, the judge said "I agree that in other factual situations that a court may have to consider, those other concerns [of Defence] might have a more prominent place.  I do not have those facts before me.")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Winchester|27qm8|2010 ONSC 652 (CanLII)|[2010] OJ No 281 (Sup. Ct.)}}{{perONSC|Valin J}}{{atL|27qm8|36}}: (“while I am not prepared to find that the applicant had no expectation of privacy in the contents of the computer when he left it at the store, I do find that this expectation was significantly reduced.”)</ref>
In some cases, there is no expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Piette|2cr9x|2009 QCCQ 14499 (CanLII)}}{{perQCCQ|Bonin J}} a computer repairman makes copy of child abuse images found on computer onto a CD and gives it to police. The court found no REP on CD so no need for warrant<br>
</ref>
 
An accused loses their reasonable expectation of privacy to a household computer once they move out.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Pommer|1x6ms|2008 BCSC 423 (CanLII)| CR (6th) 319, 2008 CarswellBC 1181}}{{perBCSC|D Smith J}}</ref>
 
The search of a computer cannot always be precise. An investigating officer looking for a particular piece of evidence may need to diverge into several areas of the hard drive in the same way as a person searching a house would look into a number of draws of a bedroom before finding evidence.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Stemberger|fpqjb|2012 ONCJ 31 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Borenstein J}}{{atsL|fpqjb|99|, 110}}</ref>
 
A computer seized as under plain view under s. 489 during the execution of a general residential search warrant is permissible. However, the search of its contents may require a warrant.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Little|2509x|2009 CanLII 41212 (ON SC)}}{{perONSC|Fuerst J}}
</ref>
 
It has been suggested that a search of a memory stick has a REP and so requires a search warrant.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Tuduce|g836g|2014 ONCA 547 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Gillese JA}}</ref>
 
; School and Workplace Computers
Workplace computers are considered to have limited expectation of privacy. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Cole|23bps|2009 CanLII 20699 (Sup. Ct.)|190 CRR (2d) 130}}{{perONSC|Kane J}} rev'd [http://canlii.ca/t/fkmxr 2011 ONCA 0218] aff'd [http://canlii.ca/t/ft969 2012 SCC 53] (CanLII){{perSCC|Fish J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Ritter|1nvxf|2006 ABPC 162 (CanLII)| AR 249 (Prov. Ct.)}}{{perABPC|Fraser J}}<br>
</ref>
This will turn on the employer's privacy policy on whether the employees can keep personal things on work computers.<ref>
{{supra1|Cole}}</ref>
 
The deleted internet browsing history of a school computer will still have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Deleted files represents an intent to keep potential private information hidden. <ref>
{{CanLIIR|McNeice|fwd7w|2013 BCCA 98 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Finch JA}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Online Data===
; Online Information
Activities online, even when in a public internet forum under a pseudonym, will retain a degree of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Ward|ft0ft|2012 ONCA 660 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}{{atsL|ft0ft|71|, 74}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Spencer|g7dzn|2014 SCC 43 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Cromwell J}}<br>
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Peer-to-Peer Software===
Software installed on a computer that enables other persons on a network to access information and files on a computer, such as Peer-to-Peer software, is relevant to the courts usually in a child pornography cases.
 
US Courts have concluded that files found on a computer that are accessible and transferable over a peer-to-peer do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy due to the intention of the user.<ref>
US v Ganoe, 538 F.3d 1117 (2008) ("although as a general matter an individual has an objectively reasonable expectation of privacy in his personal computer…we fail to see how this expectation can survive Ganoe’s decision to install and use file-sharing software, thereby opening his computer to anyone one else with the same freely available program.")<br>
''State v Mahan'', 2011 WL 4600044: the police internet investigation program "simply automated the ability to search information that had been placed in the public domain")<br>
US v Sawyer, 786 F. Supp. 2d 1352 (2011) suggested that once access is given to a “friend” the owner is giving up their right to privacy over those shareable files, simply because the police are not identifying themselves does not change things
</ref>
 
A shared directory in a peer-to-peer network has a lower expectation of privacy than a home.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Caza|fqzgm|2012 BCSC 525 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Powers J}}<br>
</ref>
The search of shared files on peer-to-peer network does not engage s. 8 of the Charter.<ref>
{{ibid1|Caza}}{{atsL|fqzgm|90| to 97}}, {{atsL-np|fqzgm|113|}}</ref>
Equally, the text messages shared between users of the Gigatribe community are not protected either.<ref>
{{ibid1|Caza}}</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Contents of Cell Phones===
There is a division in the case law on the level of privacy there is for cell phones.
 
All cellphones, regardless of their capacity, is said to have a high expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Fearon|gflcd|2014 SCC 77 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Cromwell J}}<br>
see also {{CanLIIR|Sheck|fqcl3|2012 BCPC 39 (CanLII)}}{{perBCPC|Bahen J}}{{atL|fqcl3|17}} (It is like "an archive of social, family and business activities")</ref>
 
There should  be no distinction between cell phones and computers given the sophistication of phones.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Vu|g1r8p|2013 SCC 60 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Cromwell J}}{{atL|g1r8p|38}}
</ref>
 
Where an accused suggests that he "found" a cell phone in his possession he ''cannot'' assert s. 8 Charter rights.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Hebrada-Walters|fwj90|2013 SKCA 24 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA|Ottenbreit JA}}{{atsL|fwj90|35| to 38}}<br>
</ref>
 
The contents of a cell phone protected by s. 8, includes any information visible on the face of the locked screen after any button is pressed.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Millett|gwr7l|2017 ABQB 9 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Viet J}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Closed Circuit Television ===
CCTV cameras recording public places outside do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lebeau|1vvh8|1998 CanLII 14635 (ON SC)|41 CCC (3d) 163, [1998] OJ No 51 (C. A.)}}{{perONSC|Ferrier J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Shortreed|g9c0x|1990 CanLII 10962 (ON CA)|54 CCC (3d) 292, [1990] OJ No 145 (CA)}}{{perONCA|LaCourciere JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRPC|Brown v Durham Regional Police|1vvh8|1998 CanLII 7198 (ON CA)|43 OR (3d) 223, [1998] OJ No 5274 (CA)}}{{perONSC|Ferrier J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Elzin|1pcbq|1993 CanLII 3860 (QC CA)|82 CCC (3d) 455}}{{perQCCA|Chevalier J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bryntwick|1cnm0|2002 CanLII 10941 (ON SC)|[2002] OJ No 3618 (SCJ)}}{{perONSC|Dunn J}}<br>
</ref>
 
Cameras found in common areas and hallways of apartment buildings are not protected by an expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Zekarias|htkjz|2018 ONSC 4752 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|MF Brown J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Law|h5p8f|2017 BCSC 1241 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Law J}}{{atL|h5p8f|94}}
</ref>
 
CCTV footage from a commercial grocery store is not protected by an expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Merritt|hpwz3|2017 ONSC 366 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|F Dawson J}}{{AtL|hpwz3|115}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Vehicle Data Recorders===
There is some division on whether there is a warrant needed to examine the data recorders that exist within vehicles.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Hamilton|g352z|2014 ONSC 447 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|MacDougall J}} - warrant required<br>
{{CanLIIR|Glenfield|ggnd9|2015 ONSC 1304 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hambly J}} - warrant required<br>
{{CanLIIR|Fedan|gn22f|2016 BCCA 26 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|D Smith J}}, leave to SCC dismissed - warrant not required<br>
</ref>
 
It has been suggested that a lawful seizure of a vehicle under s. 489(2) is sufficient to extinguish any subjective expectation of privacy over the contents the vehicle including on-board data.<ref>
{{ibid1|Fedan}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
===Other Electronics devices===
 
A building fob containing logs entry and exit of holder does not have an expectation of privacy.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Law|h5p8f|2017 BCSC 1241 (CanLII)}}{{atL|h5p8f|94}}
</ref>
 
{{reflist|2}}

Latest revision as of 14:19, 14 July 2024

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed July 2021. (Rev. # 95212)

Introduction

See also: Reasonable Expectation of Privacy

Courts have set out specific rules and principles when dealing with certain situations where privacy interests have been found. Those circumstances include searches of persons, residences, vehicles, storage, and more recently electronic devices.

A person can have a reasonable expectation of privacy "related to contraband."[1]

  1. ↑ R v AM, 2008 SCC 19 (CanLII), [2008] SCJ No 19, per LeBel J, at para 73
    R v Butters, 2014 ONCJ 228 (CanLII), 311 CCC (3d) 516, per Paciocco J, at para 26

Zones of Privacy

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