Privacy Commissioner Calls for Enhanced Authority Over Personal Data Breaches Through New Digital Charter
Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne emphasized the need for increased power to issue penalties for digital privacy infractions, including financial penalties.
Dufresne stated this during a House of Commons committee meeting where Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, is being studied.
The Privacy Commissioner has been advocating for the modernization of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Privacy Act.
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He recommended that organizations’ purposes for collecting, using, or disclosing information should be specific and penalties should be available for inappropriate use of Canadians’ personal information.
Dufresne provided 15 recommendations based on privacy as a fundamental right, trust in public interest and innovation, and confidence in institutions as digital citizens.
The Industry Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, acknowledged the criticism surrounding the lack of privacy protection in C-27 and promised to make amendments.
Conservative MP Rick Perkins followed up with a sub-amendment that would pause the study of the bill until Champagne presents his amendments.
The government also plans to restrict the reckless and malicious use of AI by implementing oversight and financial penalties for violations.
The emergence of AI has raised concerns, particularly within the tech industry, which is calling for appropriate regulations to prevent harmful consequences.
