The Government of Canada’s Digital Ambition provides a clear, long-term strategic vision for the Government of Canada to advance digital service delivery, cyber security, talent recruitment, and privacy. The GC’s Digital Ambition is built with four themes: In its Digital Ambition 2022, the Government describes steps it has taken, and will take, to make it … [Read more...] about Canada’s Digital Ambition 2022
Surveillance
Appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics on its Study of the RCMP’s Use of Device Investigation Tools
PACC President Sharon Polsky MAPP appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) to take part in its study related to the use of device investigation tools by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Ms Polsky’s remarks addressed the use of Pegasus and other spyware by RCMP and other law enforcement … [Read more...] about Appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics on its Study of the RCMP’s Use of Device Investigation Tools
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
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
