Data protection has become a major issue in an increasingly digital world. With cyberattacks, data breaches and the misuse of personal information on the rise, governments around the world are revising and strengthening their data protection laws.
1. Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) - Modernization
In Canada, one of the most notable legislative developments is the current revision of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This law, which forms the backbone of Canada's data protection framework, is being modernized to meet the challenges posed by the digital economy.
The proposed reform, known as the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA), aims to give Canadians more control over their personal data. Changes include :
- The right to data portability: consumers will be able to request that their personal data be transferred from one organization to another.
- The right to be forgotten: Canadians will be able to request the deletion of their data when it is no longer needed.
- Sanctions renforcées : companies that violate the law could face fines of up to 5% of worldwide sales or $25 million, whichever is greater (EveryoneSocial).
These reforms are aligned with global data protection trends, such as the RGPD in Europe, and aim to boost consumer confidence in the digital economy.
2. 25 Law in Québec
We've already talked about this, in Quebec significant changes with the adoption of the 25 Law, officially known as the Act to modernize legislative provisions respecting the protection of personal information. This Act, which amends the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector, introduces stricter requirements for companies operating in the province.
3. Online Consumer Privacy Protection Act (OPC) - Canada
In Canada, the Online Consumer Privacy Protection Act (OPC) was proposed in 2022 and is due to come into force in 2024. This law strengthens companies' obligations regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal data. It also introduces higher penalties for breaches and gives more power to the regulator to investigate and impose sanctions.
In addition, the OPC gives consumers a greater right to request the deletion of their personal data. To find out more about the law, we talk about it in more detail ici.
A University of Toronto study in 2023 revealed that 75% of Canadians are concerned about how companies use their personal data, which justifies the introduction of stricter laws.
What should we learn from this?
Recent changes in data protection laws show a clear trend towards greater consumer rights and corporate accountability. As regulations continue to evolve, companies must remain vigilant and ensure their compliance to avoid severe sanctions and protect their customers' trust.