Robert Diab
@robertdiab.bsky.social
Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers, writing about constitutional and digital freedoms.
https://robertdiab.substack.com | publications at www.robertdiab.ca
https://robertdiab.substack.com | publications at www.robertdiab.ca
A law paper has gone viral arguing that AI is destined to destroy democracy, the rule of law, education, and the press.
The authors identify real dangers, but they press them so far, and with such certainty, that nuance is lost.
The authors identify real dangers, but they press them so far, and with such certainty, that nuance is lost.
January 20, 2026 at 2:36 PM
A law paper has gone viral arguing that AI is destined to destroy democracy, the rule of law, education, and the press.
The authors identify real dangers, but they press them so far, and with such certainty, that nuance is lost.
The authors identify real dangers, but they press them so far, and with such certainty, that nuance is lost.
Canada is criminalizing sexual deepfakes and sextortion, but it likely won’t be enough.
In a new post, I look at how prevalent this conduct is in Canada and why regulating AI tools and platforms may matter more.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/sexual-dee...
In a new post, I look at how prevalent this conduct is in Canada and why regulating AI tools and platforms may matter more.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/sexual-dee...
Sexual Deepfakes and Sextortion: Why New Crimes Won’t Solve the Problem
If we want to reduce harm, we need to look upstream
robertdiab.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Canada is criminalizing sexual deepfakes and sextortion, but it likely won’t be enough.
In a new post, I look at how prevalent this conduct is in Canada and why regulating AI tools and platforms may matter more.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/sexual-dee...
In a new post, I look at how prevalent this conduct is in Canada and why regulating AI tools and platforms may matter more.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/sexual-dee...
Bill C-8 (the proposed Cyber Security Act) has flown under the radar — but it raises serious Charter questions.
Powers in the new Cyber Security Act are invasive — but do they violate the Charter?
Critics of the bill are right to be concerned, so why the curious silence in the government’s Charter Statement?
robertdiab.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Bill C-8 (the proposed Cyber Security Act) has flown under the radar — but it raises serious Charter questions.
Bill C-2 is back.
After a recent roundtable with the Minister of Public Safety calling for ideas for how to improve the bill, I’ve posted “Five Ways to Fix Bill C-2 – and Better Protect Our Privacy”
robertdiab.substack.com/p/five-ways-...
After a recent roundtable with the Minister of Public Safety calling for ideas for how to improve the bill, I’ve posted “Five Ways to Fix Bill C-2 – and Better Protect Our Privacy”
robertdiab.substack.com/p/five-ways-...
Five Ways to Fix Bill C-2 – and Better Protect Our Privacy
Controversial parts of the Strong Borders Act are coming back; we should try to get them right
robertdiab.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Bill C-2 is back.
After a recent roundtable with the Minister of Public Safety calling for ideas for how to improve the bill, I’ve posted “Five Ways to Fix Bill C-2 – and Better Protect Our Privacy”
robertdiab.substack.com/p/five-ways-...
After a recent roundtable with the Minister of Public Safety calling for ideas for how to improve the bill, I’ve posted “Five Ways to Fix Bill C-2 – and Better Protect Our Privacy”
robertdiab.substack.com/p/five-ways-...
My nominations for the 2025 Clawbies:
- @mgeist.bsky.social for LawBytes, a podcast I have found indispensable for years — celebrating its 250th episode this year.
- @privacylawyer.ca for his outstanding YouTube channel, Privacy Guy — enormously informative and insightful.
#clawbies2025
- @mgeist.bsky.social for LawBytes, a podcast I have found indispensable for years — celebrating its 250th episode this year.
- @privacylawyer.ca for his outstanding YouTube channel, Privacy Guy — enormously informative and insightful.
#clawbies2025
December 12, 2025 at 11:19 PM
My nominations for the 2025 Clawbies:
- @mgeist.bsky.social for LawBytes, a podcast I have found indispensable for years — celebrating its 250th episode this year.
- @privacylawyer.ca for his outstanding YouTube channel, Privacy Guy — enormously informative and insightful.
#clawbies2025
- @mgeist.bsky.social for LawBytes, a podcast I have found indispensable for years — celebrating its 250th episode this year.
- @privacylawyer.ca for his outstanding YouTube channel, Privacy Guy — enormously informative and insightful.
#clawbies2025
Can lawyers safely use AI on client files or Crown disclosure?
Law society and Crown policies don’t offer clear answers.
Even “legal AI” tools like Lexis’ Protégé leave room for doubt.
Some lawyers — and courts — are turning to the nuclear option: running AI offline.
Law society and Crown policies don’t offer clear answers.
Even “legal AI” tools like Lexis’ Protégé leave room for doubt.
Some lawyers — and courts — are turning to the nuclear option: running AI offline.
November 19, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Can lawyers safely use AI on client files or Crown disclosure?
Law society and Crown policies don’t offer clear answers.
Even “legal AI” tools like Lexis’ Protégé leave room for doubt.
Some lawyers — and courts — are turning to the nuclear option: running AI offline.
Law society and Crown policies don’t offer clear answers.
Even “legal AI” tools like Lexis’ Protégé leave room for doubt.
Some lawyers — and courts — are turning to the nuclear option: running AI offline.
Reposted by Robert Diab
When you're not sure commercial AI platforms are private enough to trust with client information or Crown disclosure, running your own model may be the answer, writes @robertdiab.bsky.social nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
Why some lawyers are turning off the internet to use AI
When no commercial platform is private enough, running your own model may be the answer
nationalmagazine.ca
November 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
When you're not sure commercial AI platforms are private enough to trust with client information or Crown disclosure, running your own model may be the answer, writes @robertdiab.bsky.social nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
Should law students use AI to summarize cases, draft outlines, or edit writing?
I explore 10 ways students are using AI in law schools worldwide, and the key challenge of avoiding over-reliance.
www.slaw.ca/2025/11/10/h...
I explore 10 ways students are using AI in law schools worldwide, and the key challenge of avoiding over-reliance.
www.slaw.ca/2025/11/10/h...
How Profs and Students Are Using AI in Law Schools Around the World - Slaw
Law schools everywhere are confronting the same issue: how to use AI to help rather than hinder student learning. In an earlier column, I speculated on ways we might help law students foster good over...
www.slaw.ca
November 10, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Should law students use AI to summarize cases, draft outlines, or edit writing?
I explore 10 ways students are using AI in law schools worldwide, and the key challenge of avoiding over-reliance.
www.slaw.ca/2025/11/10/h...
I explore 10 ways students are using AI in law schools worldwide, and the key challenge of avoiding over-reliance.
www.slaw.ca/2025/11/10/h...
Looking forward to it as well. Glad it's finally happening!
I am looking forward to this amazing technology / privacy / AI law conference, hosted at the Schulich School of Law in Halifax. Check out the list of great speakers. www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-t...
October 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Looking forward to it as well. Glad it's finally happening!
Do police and CSIS need new “lawful intercept” powers to keep up with technology?
Parliament says yes. But in a new declassified report meant to justify Bill C-2, it offers little hard data to back this up.
Parliament says yes. But in a new declassified report meant to justify Bill C-2, it offers little hard data to back this up.
October 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Do police and CSIS need new “lawful intercept” powers to keep up with technology?
Parliament says yes. But in a new declassified report meant to justify Bill C-2, it offers little hard data to back this up.
Parliament says yes. But in a new declassified report meant to justify Bill C-2, it offers little hard data to back this up.
Do CSIS and police really need new “lawful intercept” powers?
Parliament says yes — but the evidence is thin.
Why a new declassified report making the case for Bill C-2 doesn’t hold up.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/do-csis-an...
Parliament says yes — but the evidence is thin.
Why a new declassified report making the case for Bill C-2 doesn’t hold up.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/do-csis-an...
Do CSIS and Police Really Need More ‘Lawful Intercept’ Powers?
A new report makes Parliament’s case for Bill C-2 — and why it falls short
robertdiab.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Do CSIS and police really need new “lawful intercept” powers?
Parliament says yes — but the evidence is thin.
Why a new declassified report making the case for Bill C-2 doesn’t hold up.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/do-csis-an...
Parliament says yes — but the evidence is thin.
Why a new declassified report making the case for Bill C-2 doesn’t hold up.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/do-csis-an...
Reposted by Robert Diab
Video generating #AI like #Sora2 highlight the technology's voracious thirst for energy and water, costs that must be transparent if growth is to be sustainable, argues @robertdiab.bsky.social
theconversation.com/openais-newl... #sustainability
theconversation.com/openais-newl... #sustainability
OpenAI’s newly launched Sora 2 makes AI’s environmental impact impossible to ignore
As AI shifts from text to video, its appetite for power and water soars, presenting a climate-policy issue.
theconversation.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Video generating #AI like #Sora2 highlight the technology's voracious thirst for energy and water, costs that must be transparent if growth is to be sustainable, argues @robertdiab.bsky.social
theconversation.com/openais-newl... #sustainability
theconversation.com/openais-newl... #sustainability
OpenAI’s new Sora 2 can turn text into lifelike video, but at what environmental cost? As AI moves from words to video, its power and water demands are set to soar.
My latest for The Conversation/Substack asks how sustainable the next AI leap really is.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/openais-ne...
My latest for The Conversation/Substack asks how sustainable the next AI leap really is.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/openais-ne...
OpenAI’s newly launched Sora 2 makes AI’s environmental impact impossible to ignore
Debate is focused on misinformation, but AI's footprint — in energy and water — may prove the more urgent challenge for regulators.
robertdiab.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
OpenAI’s new Sora 2 can turn text into lifelike video, but at what environmental cost? As AI moves from words to video, its power and water demands are set to soar.
My latest for The Conversation/Substack asks how sustainable the next AI leap really is.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/openais-ne...
My latest for The Conversation/Substack asks how sustainable the next AI leap really is.
robertdiab.substack.com/p/openais-ne...
Reposted by Robert Diab
Publishers are suing Google over AI Overviews, claiming traffic losses. But as Robert Diab argues: “The attempt to rely on copyright and antitrust law is really an indirect attempt to assert what can’t be claimed directly: a property right in clicks.”
Why Lawsuits Over AI Summaries Will Fail: There is No Right to Traffic | TechPolicy.Press
Robert Diab makes the case that lawsuits over Google’s AI Overviews won’t create a “right to traffic."
www.techpolicy.press
October 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Publishers are suing Google over AI Overviews, claiming traffic losses. But as Robert Diab argues: “The attempt to rely on copyright and antitrust law is really an indirect attempt to assert what can’t be claimed directly: a property right in clicks.”
Which is not to say that some of those controversial provisions might not return in a separate bill. But not if no other party is on board…
David, thanks for being the first to post. The new bill is now out. Most of the criminal stuff and — more crucially — the lawful access regime (the SAAIA) is gone.
Money laundering, sex offender provisions still there, but no "information demand"; no subscriber ID on lower grounds.
A big sigh...
Money laundering, sex offender provisions still there, but no "information demand"; no subscriber ID on lower grounds.
A big sigh...
Here it is (or will be - text not yet available) www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en...
October 8, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Which is not to say that some of those controversial provisions might not return in a separate bill. But not if no other party is on board…
David, thanks for being the first to post. The new bill is now out. Most of the criminal stuff and — more crucially — the lawful access regime (the SAAIA) is gone.
Money laundering, sex offender provisions still there, but no "information demand"; no subscriber ID on lower grounds.
A big sigh...
Money laundering, sex offender provisions still there, but no "information demand"; no subscriber ID on lower grounds.
A big sigh...
Here it is (or will be - text not yet available) www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en...
October 8, 2025 at 10:06 PM
David, thanks for being the first to post. The new bill is now out. Most of the criminal stuff and — more crucially — the lawful access regime (the SAAIA) is gone.
Money laundering, sex offender provisions still there, but no "information demand"; no subscriber ID on lower grounds.
A big sigh...
Money laundering, sex offender provisions still there, but no "information demand"; no subscriber ID on lower grounds.
A big sigh...
Thank you to @karanicolas.bsky.social for alerting me to this: Liberals backtracking on C-2, tabling a revised bill this week... www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Government to table new border bill amid privacy concerns over C-2: sources | CBC News
The federal Liberals are set to introduce a new bill expected to mirror much of what's in their already tabled border legislation — but with some clauses that sparked concerns from opposition parties ...
www.cbc.ca
October 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Thank you to @karanicolas.bsky.social for alerting me to this: Liberals backtracking on C-2, tabling a revised bill this week... www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Happy to see this -- now all opposition parties opposed to new search powers in C-2. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Conservatives won't support Liberal border bill without major changes: Pierre Poilievre | CBC News
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the federal Liberals must either heavily amend their border bill or introduce a new piece of proposed legislation if they want support to pass it into law.
www.cbc.ca
October 5, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Happy to see this -- now all opposition parties opposed to new search powers in C-2. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Trying out Perplexity's Comet browser, made free to all users yesterday. Had been using Arc's Dia browser. Found that enormously useful. P's Comet so far faster, more functional. Will write about it shortly... Here's a table comparing the two...
October 4, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Trying out Perplexity's Comet browser, made free to all users yesterday. Had been using Arc's Dia browser. Found that enormously useful. P's Comet so far faster, more functional. Will write about it shortly... Here's a table comparing the two...
BC Court of Appeal turns down doctors' class action against RateMDs — no privacy in names and contact info, no commercial exploitation of docs' identities. canlii.ca/t/kfhmc
September 27, 2025 at 8:46 PM
BC Court of Appeal turns down doctors' class action against RateMDs — no privacy in names and contact info, no commercial exploitation of docs' identities. canlii.ca/t/kfhmc
Early impressions of Canada’s new hate crime bill (C-9): @richardmoon.bsky.social: flag waving offence may be redundant; the CCF, it may chill speech. Here’s my take:
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
Will Canada’s new hate crime bill impact free speech online?
What Bill C-9 adds to our hate speech laws — and whether it fills a real gap
robertdiab.substack.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Early impressions of Canada’s new hate crime bill (C-9): @richardmoon.bsky.social: flag waving offence may be redundant; the CCF, it may chill speech. Here’s my take:
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
Will new hate speech offences in Bill C-9 impact speech online? Will they fill real gaps in the law? I put them in context here…
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
Will Canada’s new hate crime bill impact free speech online?
What Bill C-9 adds to our hate speech laws — and whether it fills a real gap
robertdiab.substack.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Will new hate speech offences in Bill C-9 impact speech online? Will they fill real gaps in the law? I put them in context here…
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
robertdiab.substack.com/p/will-canad...
No shortage of hype around AI and productivity. But in my own work, the gains have started to feel tangible. Not incremental, but structural, like moving from typewriter to word processor. I unpack this shift in National Magazine:
www.nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
www.nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
How AI has made me more productive
From faster research to sharper drafts, here’s how AI is changing the way legal writing gets done
www.nationalmagazine.ca
September 22, 2025 at 8:18 PM
No shortage of hype around AI and productivity. But in my own work, the gains have started to feel tangible. Not incremental, but structural, like moving from typewriter to word processor. I unpack this shift in National Magazine:
www.nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
www.nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
What photography did to painting, AI may now be doing to writing. Does this mark the death of authorship, or its reinvention? robertdiab.substack.com/p/authorship...
Authorship after AI
What the birth of photography reveals about writing with AI
robertdiab.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
What photography did to painting, AI may now be doing to writing. Does this mark the death of authorship, or its reinvention? robertdiab.substack.com/p/authorship...
Just spoke with Ian Hanomansing on the CBC about Bill C-2, trying to convey in a short space some of the many privacy concerns with it. www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
CBC Ian Hanomansing speaks to Robert Diab, Law professor at Thompson Rivers University
Get the latest on CBCNews.ca, the CBC News App, and CBC News Network for breaking news and analysis.
www.cbc.ca
September 16, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Just spoke with Ian Hanomansing on the CBC about Bill C-2, trying to convey in a short space some of the many privacy concerns with it. www.cbc.ca/player/play/...