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
Legislation
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
The danger of protecting rights and freedoms with laws that undermine privacy
Private communications are a cornerstone of democratic society and must be protected. That's why the Privacy and Access Council of Canada (PACC) joins 35 civil society organizations in calling on the European Commission to ensure that the forthcoming Legislation to effectively tackle child sexual abuse preserves and protects fundamental rights and freedoms. We are seriously … [Read more...] about The danger of protecting rights and freedoms with laws that undermine privacy
How ‘online harms’ legislation undermines privacy
Consistent with legislative initiatives in Australia, the UK, Netherlands, and other countries, the Government of Canada has been working mightily to enact privacy-invasive encryption-busting legislation it says is necessary to protect against legal but "hurtful" online content. Despite sweeping criticism of Bill C-10 and its companion bill to address harmful content online, … [Read more...] about How ‘online harms’ legislation undermines privacy
When it comes to QR codes, cyber-security experts urge caution
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, an urgency to bounce back in the new normal has led to the use of QR codes at restaurants and other businesses. However, this surging trend has led to numerous red flags from privacy and cyber-security experts, as they urge Canadians to be cautious in how they use this technology. What concerns should we be watching out for? Sharon … [Read more...] about When it comes to QR codes, cyber-security experts urge caution
Australia’s new mass surveillance mandate
The Australian government has new laws on the books to hack your computer, your online accounts, and just about any piece of technology and networks you come into contact with. It can happen without a warrant and without you ever knowing. It permits network activity warrants for other jurisdictions as well. And that’s just the start of it. Outraged? Good. Read More … [Read more...] about Australia’s new mass surveillance mandate
