Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) prohibits unsolicited electronic communication and fraudulent or misleading electronic communication practices and requires organizations to properly identify themselves, continually receive consent (express or implied) from individuals to receive electronic communications, allow individuals to unsubscribe from communications, and prescribe fines, civil, and criminal penalties against organizations that do not comply. Its initial provisions took effect on July 1, 2014. Limited exceptions in the law exist for charities, prior business or personal relationships, political campaigning, and those providing their contact information to the public or to specific organizations. This entry discusses the history of the development of the law, the provisions of and exceptions to the law, notable cases of alleged CASL violations, and the implications of CASL for society.