OTTAWA – Brian Masse M.P. (Windsor West) NDP Critic for Innovation, Science and Economic Development rose in the House today to demand the Government act to stop internet trolling.

Masse explained: “Under the Notice and Notice regime internet trolling has become an industry unto itself. Canadians by the thousands are receiving intimidating and unsubstantiated shakedown payment demands from companies whose sole purpose is to troll the internet in search of potential targets to exploit.”

The Notice and Notice regime creates a system that allow copyright owners to notify individuals (through their Internet Service Provider – ISP) they suspect of illegal download that they may have violated intellectual property rules. Some copyright owners are using this opportunity to make payment demands under threat of legal action for unsubstantiated claims of copyright infringement.

“There are specific measures the government could take to put an end to this practice almost immediately. Unfortunately the government response has been largely ignored by these internet trolls while more and more Canadians are falling victim to this extortion-like practice.” Masse added.