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ARTICLE · 30 JULY 2024

Bill 194 To Reform Cybersecurity And Privacy Rights In Ontario's Public Service

Aird & Berlis LLP
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The Province of Ontario is taking steps to address cybersecurity risks and the use of artificial intelligence ("AI") in the public sector.

CanadaPrivacy
Paige Backman
Paige Backman
Michelle Slipanchuk
Michelle Slipanchuk
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The Province of Ontario is taking steps to address cybersecurity risks and the use of artificial intelligence ("AI") in the public sector. Bill 194, Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 was recently introduced in the Ontario legislature with the goal of enhancing transparency in digital public services and establishing robust protections for personal information.

As part of the new bill, the provincial government is seeking to enact the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 ("EDSTA") and make amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ("FIPPA").

New Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024

EDSTA sets out a framework to regulate cybersecurity and AI systems within the public sector. The proposed scope of EDSTA includes:

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