The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is Canada's federal privacy law that governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. PIPEDA applies to all private sector organizations in Canada, except in provinces that have substantially similar legislation.
PIPEDA is based on 10 fair information principles and requires organizations to obtain consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, except in limited circumstances. The law also gives individuals the right to access their personal information and request corrections.
Organizations are responsible for personal information under their control and must designate someone to be accountable for compliance.
Organizations must identify the purposes for which personal information is collected at or before the time of collection.
The knowledge and consent of the individual are required for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, except where inappropriate.
The collection of personal information must be limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by the organization.
Personal information must not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with consent or as required by law.
Personal information must be as accurate, complete, and up-to-date as is necessary for the purposes for which it is to be used.
Personal information must be protected by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.
Organizations must make readily available to individuals specific information about their policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
Upon request, an individual must be informed of the existence, use, and disclosure of their personal information and be given access to that information.
An individual must be able to address a challenge concerning compliance with the above principles to the designated individual accountable for the organization's compliance.
Conduct comprehensive assessment of current privacy practices and identify compliance gaps.
Develop comprehensive privacy policies, procedures, and consent mechanisms.
Implement privacy training programs for all employees and stakeholders.
Implement privacy controls, access management, and data protection measures.
Maintain compliance through regular audits, monitoring, and program updates.
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