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ARTICLE · 04 JUNE 2013

Privacy Reform Coming In Light Of Big Data

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Canada’s Federal Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart today released a position paper which offers a roadmap for modernizing Canada’s federal private-sector privacy law, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), so that it more effectively tackles current and future privacy issues.

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Canada's Federal Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart today released a position paper which offers a roadmap for modernizing Canada's federal private-sector privacy law, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), so that it more effectively tackles current and future privacy issues.

The paper specifically mentions the need for PIPEDA reform, in light of Big Data. The privacy landscape that existed when PIPEDA began coming into force back in 2001 was dramatically different.

"There was no Facebook, no Twitter and no Google Street View. Phones weren't smart. 'The cloud' was something that threatened picnic plans," says Commissioner Stoddart.

"The purpose of our privacy law – to balance privacy and legitimate business needs – is no longer being met. The legislation lacks mechanisms strong enough to ensure organizations invest appropriately in privacy. As a result, consumer trust in the digital economy is at risk."

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