Published on October 14, 2025 • 2-minute read
Join the conversation
A file photo shows the exterior of the CSIS building in Ottawa. POSTMEDIA NETWORK
OTTAWA — A recently released report from the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency reveals that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) lacked “adequate policies and procedures” for managing a confidential technology used for information collection.
The report indicates that CSIS misrepresented this innovative technical capability as merely an extension of its existing expertise. Furthermore, CSIS failed to consult with Public Safety Canada regarding its plans to acquire this new technology and did not inform the public safety minister or the Federal Court before deploying it in an operation. The review agency noted, “Additionally, CSIS utilized this technology before fulfilling all regulatory requirements.”
The agency also discovered that CSIS retained collected information without clearly defining its authority to do so. A heavily redacted version of the intelligence review agency’s top-secret report was obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act.
The report has censored details regarding both the novel technology and CSIS’s methods of use. However, it states that the technology introduced “a significant expansion of collection capabilities and operational risks.”
CSIS has not yet commented on the findings of the watchdog report. When seeking a court warrant to employ techniques that would typically be illegal, CSIS and Justice Department lawyers are obligated to provide full context and information about new technologies, according to the review agency.
The watchdog also highlighted that CSIS is now required to present any proposals for developing or acquiring new technology to its newly established Operational Technology Review Committee. This committee is tasked with identifying and assessing potential risks associated with the procurement, development, testing, and use of new technologies. It may recommend that CSIS notify the minister and present its findings.