Tips for Data Privacy Day 2021

Jan. 28 is Data Privacy Day and to mark the occasion, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has provided resources for individuals, businesses and federal institutions to encourage awareness of privacy issues and obligations.

For more information, research and opinions, check out Canadian Security’s recent coverage of the Canadian privacy landscape.

Ontario’s new privacy commissioner takes on COVID-19 challenges

Patricia Kosseim began her 5-year term as Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner in July. (Image courtesy IPC)

In many ways, the abilities of security professionals are being tested in remarkable ways by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s resource allocation, emergency response, safety protocols or other measures, they have been required to look at them through a new lens. It’s in this challenging environment that Patricia Kosseim recently began her role as Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Canadian businesses invested heavily in data privacy in 2020: study
Study finds significant privacy concerns stemming from the pandemic, fueled by rapid shift to remote work and the need to utilize health information of individuals.

Consumer attitudes on data privacy shift amid COVID-19: survey
More consumers are seeking out organizations that use their data to help others.

Feds have not ‘demonstrated need’ for security screening measures: privacy watchdog
The federal privacy watchdog is pressing for changes to security screening procedures for public servants.

OPINION: Online exam monitoring can invade privacy and erode trust at universities
Testing and proctoring methods that invade privacy and erode trust end up undermining the very integrity that institutions demand students uphold.

Trudeau government ready to usher in new privacy legislation
The Trudeau government is poised to introduce legislation aimed at better safeguarding the privacy of Canadians in the digital era.

Canada must regulate AI to protect privacy and human rights: watchdog
Canada’s privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien said he is calling for legislation to regulate the use and development of AI systems.

Security Leaders, the Podcast: Imran Ahmad, cybersecurity and privacy lawyer

Imran Ahmad

Back in June 2020, Canadian Security editor Neil Sutton spoke to Imran Ahmad to get his view on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cybersecurity and privacy in Canada, particularly in light of work from home policies and the recent emergence of contact tracing software. Ahmad is currently a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright (Canada) LLP, where he leads their technology practice and co-chairs their data protection, privacy and cybersecurity practice.

The coronavirus pandemic highlights the need for a surveillance debate beyond ‘privacy’
The coronavirus pandemic has stirred up a surveillance storm. Researchers rush to develop new forms of public health monitoring and tracking, but releasing personal data to private companies and governments carries risks to our individual and collective rights. COVID-19 opens the lid on a much-needed debate.