VANCOUVER – With allegations that the government’s PlayNow.com website was hacked, the B.C. Liberals must be frank with the public about what information may have been compromised and how, say New Democrats. Shane Simpson

“The B.C. Liberal government must tell British Columbians what is going on. The suggestion by at least one expert that the site crashed because it was hacked is troubling,” said Shane Simpson, New Democrat critic for housing and social development. Simpson was referring to Vaclav Vincalek, a leading technology consultant who suggests that the site is susceptible to hacking due to the nature of the online gambling business.

The B.C. Liberals announced the launch of the government’s online gaming site last week. Just hours after the site was launched, it crashed. At the time, Minister of Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman and the B.C. Lottery Corporation claimed the reason the website crashed was because it was overloaded.

“There are concerns that British Columbians’ personal information was compromised when the site crashed. Anytime that happens, people deserve to know the details. Minister Coleman needs to be very clear with the public about what is going on,” said Simpson.  

“If the government is going to get into online gaming, they need to protect people’s privacy. People want to be able to trust that their private information, from credit card numbers to gambling histories, is not being compromised.”

The Carole James New Democrats are building a long-term vision with practical solutions to address our social, economic and environmental challenges.

Shane Simpson

Vancouver-Hastings

Shane Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Vancouver Hastings on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.