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
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
Encryption HRIA
Signaling a major shift in the way Meta approaches users' privacy, the company recently announced plans to make all of its messaging services — WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram DMs — end-to-end encrypted (E2EE). As part of its initiative, Meta commissioned a human rights impact assessment (HRIA), which concluded that, "Meta’s planned expansion of strong … [Read more...] about Encryption HRIA
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
