CSIS lacked proper policies, procedures to manage new secret technology: spy watchdog

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service lacked "adequate policies and procedures" to manage a confidential technology for collecting information, says a newly released spy watchdog report.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency says CSIS mischaracterized a novel technical capability as an extension of existing know-how.

CSIS also did not consult Public Safety Canada about its plans to acquire this novel technical capability and did not notify the public safety minister or the Federal Court before using it in an operation, the spy watchdog says.

"Further, CSIS used this technology prior to satisfying all regulatory requirements," the report says.

The review agency also found CSIS kept collected information without clearly spelling out its authority for retaining it.

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