Portpass was recommended to fans by the entity that owns two Calgary sports teams. They weren't alone. According to the company's estimates, more than 500,000 Canadians were using Portpass to show proof of their vaccination status. And then a local app developer got curious about what was under the hood of this supposedly secure application and started digging around. Now the … [Read more...] about The Big Story: How a Calgary-based proof of vaccination app was breached
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
Proposed or predetermined approach to address harmful content online
Within hours of Elections Canada confirming the results of the 44th general federal election, the Government of Canada revealed that, of more than 100 platform promises, ten will receive special attention. Among them are three new laws that would require "web giants" to examine and analyze all web content and ensure Canadians cannot see hurtful online content deemed to … [Read more...] about Proposed or predetermined approach to address harmful content online
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
EDPB adopts Urgent Binding Decision in relation to WhatsApp
Following a provisional measure taken by the Hamburg DPA against WhatsApp, and analyzing WhatsApp's data sharing practices with Facebook, the EDPB determined that "the high likelihood of infringements and the lack of information" justifies the decision to request the for the Irish DPA to carry out a statutory investigation relating to WhatsApp's data processing, including: … [Read more...] about EDPB adopts Urgent Binding Decision in relation to WhatsApp
Fear and Loathing in the UK Adequacy Decision
On June 28, the European Commission adopted the UK adequacy decision, which will allow personal data to be transferred from the EU to the UK without additional safeguards. In an ideal world, this would indicate that the UK offers an adequate level of protection for personal data, and would signal their willingness to retain those standards. Unfortunately, reality tells a … [Read more...] about Fear and Loathing in the UK Adequacy Decision
