GOVERNMENT OF CANADA MOVES TO ENHANCE SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE
OTTAWA, May 25, 2010 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), today announced two steps that the Government of Canada is taking to enhance the safety and security of the online marketplace. Together, the tabling of amendments to the legislation protecting the personal information of Canadians (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, or PIPEDA) and the reintroduction of anti-spam legislation in the House of Commons (the proposed Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act, or FISA) are important steps towards positioning Canada as a leader in the digital economy.
“Canadian shoppers should feel just as confident in the electronic marketplace as they do at the corner store,” said Minister Clement. “With today’s two pieces of legislation, we are working toward a safer and more secure online environment for both consumers and businesses — essential in positioning Canada as a leader in the digital economy.”
“Our government believes that personal information should be no less secure when shared online than anywhere else. That is why we are taking steps to ensure it is better protected,” said Minister of State Lebel. “These measures will empower and better protect consumers while ensuring that Canadian businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace.”
To address public concerns about the increasing number of data breaches involving personal information, PIPEDA proposes a new requirement for organizations to report material data breaches to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and to notify individuals where there is a risk of harm. This requirement will complement the government’s recently enacted identity theft legislation and encourage better information security practices on the part of organizations.
PIPEDA also proposes amendments related to protecting the privacy of minors and other vulnerable individuals online. Other amendments are designed to clarify and streamline rules for business and support effective investigations by law enforcement and security agencies.
The proposed FISA is intended to deter the most damaging and deceptive forms of spam, such as identity theft, phishing and spyware, from occurring in Canada and to help drive spammers out of Canada.
The proposed FISA legislation provides a comprehensive regulatory regime that uses economic disincentives to protect electronic commerce and is modelled on international best practices. To enforce the legislation, the bill would use the expertise, and expand the mandates, of the three enforcement agencies: the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Competition Bureau Canada and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Industry Canada will act as a national coordinating body to increase consumer and business awareness and education, to further coordinate work with the private sector and to conduct research and intelligence gathering.
