Update Your Knowledge of Canadian Data Privacy Laws

Are you confused about the effects of the latest Canadian data privacy laws for your business? Here’s what you need to know to keep your company — and data — safe and compliant.

Canada’s data privacy and security laws represent a complex landscape that differs between private and public organizations, the type of data that is being captured, and how the information is being used. Since there is a high potential for cybersecurity risk associated with the capture and use of confidential data, it is vital to ensure that your organization is following all applicable guidelines for protection. Data-driven marketing and business practices have made capturing customer data a significant component of many transactions. Still, companies have to be particularly careful with the capture, storage and manipulation of this data or they risk massive compliance fines. See how to mitigate the risks that your business is exposed to while still keeping close track of your customers and their interactions with your business.

Canada’s Privacy Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. P-21)

The Canadian government has enacted a set of privacy rights that help to ensure Canadians can manage how their information is captured, stored and utilized in the future. The current Privacy Act sets out the rights of privacy in regards to Canadian government entities, detailing how information can be used to administer public safety, tax collection and refunds, employment insurance, pensions, border security and federal policing. However, political parties, courts and private sector organizations are exempt from the strictures of this particular law.

Access to Information Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. A-1)

Interpreting the Access to Information Act and how it applies to your organization can be tricky. With a broad spectrum of what can be defined as “personal information” as covered by the Act and several conditional class exemptions, your company must have a firm grasp of the details of this critical legislation to ensure that it’s correctly applied. In general, items that are covered by this act include information relating to national or ethnic origin, race, religion, age, marital status, medical, criminal or employment information, address, fingerprints and blood type and more.

Applying the Acts to Data Collection, Storage and Use Policies

Merely capturing the information doesn’t provide a full picture of the ways that the information could potentially be used. The guidelines and directives as developed by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) help government entities and other organizations accurately apply the guidelines around the use and handling of collected personal information. As all Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the right to access the information that is being held by the government, it’s imperative to have the processes in place that allow for this secure dissemination of information to the public.

When you need help wading through the volumes of information that pertains to cybersecurity in Canada, contact the experts at Fuelled Networks. As Ottawa’s top-rated IT service company, Fuelled Networks stays current on the changes to data privacy laws, compliance and cybersecurity standards and can help you translate what this legislation means for your company. Contact our team at 613-828-1280 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation or to learn more about the latest technical updates required to reduce your cybersecurity risk.