The rapid pace of digital transformation in the federal government has made questions around the purpose and scope of automation increasingly relevant. The 3rd review of the Treasury Board Directive on Automated Decision-Making takes stock of the current state of the policy instrument and identifies several risks and challenges to the federal government’s commitment to … [Read more...] about 3rd Review of the Treasury Board Directive on Automated Decision-Making
News & Views
Personal Digital Devices at the Border
A great deal of consternation and confusion recently arose thanks to the language in a new piece of legislation introduced in the Senate on 29 March 2022. Bill S-7, which amends s. 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act, is intended to remedy a deficiency in that legislation which, until now, has had no specific criteria for searching personal digital devices. Indeed, the Customs … [Read more...] about Personal Digital Devices at the Border
Privacy regulators call for legal framework limiting police use of facial recognition technology
The heads of Canada’s privacy protection authorities today issued a joint statement recommending legislators develop a legal framework that establishes clearly and explicitly the circumstances in which police use of facial recognition may be acceptable. Facial recognition has emerged as a tool of significant interest for police agencies in Canada. Used responsibly and in the … [Read more...] about Privacy regulators call for legal framework limiting police use of facial recognition technology
Google can now remove search results that dox you without second-guessing intent
For many years, people have been able to request the removal of certain sensitive, personally identifiable information from Search, such as bank account and credit card numbers useful for committing financial fraud, and other information that could facilitate someone stealing your identity. Under Google's newly expanded policy, people can now request the removal of … [Read more...] about Google can now remove search results that dox you without second-guessing intent
Elections: Political parties gathering and using information about voters
With Ontario elections taking place on June 2, some voters may question how provincial political parties use personal information. They may also wonder what federal parties have done with data that voters gave canvassers in the national election, held in September of 2021. In Ontario, the Privacy Commissioner has no jurisdiction over provincial political parties' … [Read more...] about Elections: Political parties gathering and using information about voters
PACC pledges support of the International Chat Control Working Group
In its efforts to rein in Big Tech and tackle child abuse, the EU is moving toward a new era of oversight to control internet content. The objectives are laudable, but the mechanisms being put in place will force all providers of chat, messaging, and email services to deploy mass surveillance technology. As Dr. Patrick Breyer, Member of the European … [Read more...] about PACC pledges support of the International Chat Control Working Group
