“Both do not require probable cause and both can be used to obtain any type of records...the target of both warrants need not be the target of the national security investigation."
Michael Geist on Canada's surveillance laws
In terms of Canada's regulations, it has been found that Canada's own surveillance agency, The Communications Security Establishment of Canada (CESC) has conducted investigations that are very similar to the NSA's. The agency is in charge of foreign communication monitoring and when a foreign party is involved, can monitor communications within Canada.
It has also been pointed out that the 21st section of the Canadian Security Intelligence Act is similar in regulation to the United States Patriot Act.
"I WISH I HAD THAT POWER. MAN. THAT WOULD BE POWER. "
Donald Trump on the power of surveillance
Barack Obama passed The USA Freedom Act in 2015 as a way to restrict the ways The NSA could carry out surveillance practices. An example of of this is the collection of phone records. Instead of being able to collect all data from citizens phone records, the government must choose a "specific selector" of data. For instance, the name of the customer.
It is important to note that this act was passed before Donald Trump was elected into office. Obama’s privacy protections are executive and would therefore be quite easy for Trump to revise, which is something that could occur without public knowledge.
“[This is] the most extreme surveillance in the history of western democracy.”
Edward Snowden
Governments in places such as the United Kingdoms and Germany are implementing legislations that legalize the government activities revealed by Edward Snowden. This will therefore increase the authority of intelligence agencies.
For example, the Investigatory Powers Bill
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Requires communications companies to store customers’ browser histories for up to one year
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Allows the bulk collection of data and the ability to hack the electronic devices
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Allows judges to sign intrusive surveillance warrants