What's New

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Revised Code of Procedure for appeals under FIPPA/MFIPPA: September 9, 2024

The IPC’s revised code of procedure for appeals under FIPPA and MFIPPA goes into effect on September 9, 2024. The code of procedure has been updated to improve timeliness for the processing of appeals and provide greater transparency of the IPC’s procedures when considering appeals.

Published on Aug 9, 2024

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New Commissioner’s blog: Ontario’s privacy laws are not a barrier to sharing information in situations involving intimate partner violence

Many IPV professionals feel torn between their obligation of confidentiality to their clients and the urgency to act in situations where an individual is at risk of serious harm. The Commissioner’s latest blog highlights the IPC’s recent guidance aimed at dispelling any misunderstandings...

Blog

- Published on Jul 31, 2024

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Latest podcast episode: Information sharing to address intimate partner violence

Information sharing is crucial in situations involving intimate partner violence, but professionals my be hesitant to share information due to misunderstandings about privacy laws. Priya Shastri, Director of Programs at WomanAct, provides insights from the front lines on information sharing...

Multimedia

- Published on Jul 31, 2024

Ransomware reality: Case study in health care cybersecurity and recovery

Case of Note: PHIPA Decision 249 Introduction Unfortunately, ransomware attacks are not an uncommon occurrence, especially in this era of rapidly advancing technologies. Bad actors use ransomware attacks to extract money and cause harm to others. As these types of attacks become increasingly common...

Published on Jul 18, 2024

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IPC comments on Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act

IPC submission concerning Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, focusing on enhancing cyber security, AI system requirements, and privacy protections within the public sector.

Resource

- Published on Jun 25, 2024

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New Info Matters podcast episode! Artificial intelligence in health care

Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Dr. Devin Singh of The Hospital for Sick Children about the use of AI in health care and how to balance innovation with privacy.

Multimedia

- Published on Jun 20, 2024

New guidance: Public sector contracting with third party service providers

Thinking about contracting with a third party service provider? Read the IPC’s new guidance for advice on how to maximize accountability and minimize access and privacy risks.

Resource

- Published on Jun 17, 2024

IPC endorses statement on transparency in the digital age from the International Conference of Information Commissioners

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim, has endorsed a statement issued at the 15th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), emphasizing the crucial role of access rights in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen...

News Release

- Published on Jun 13, 2024

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Information and Privacy Commissioner calls for strengthened access and privacy protections for all Ontarians

TORONTO, ON (June 5, 2024) — Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Patricia Kosseim, is calling on the Ontario government to strengthen and enhance Ontarians’ access and privacy protections. The recommendation is included in the 2023 annual report of the Office of the Information and...

News Release

- Published on Jun 5, 2024

A digital illustration of two hands reaching toward each other. Text reads, "Sharing information in situations involving intimate partner violence: Guidance for professionals."

New guidance outlines responsible information-sharing practices to help prevent intimate partner violence

Injury or loss of life should never happen because of misunderstandings about privacy laws. Sharing Information in Situations Involving Intimate Partner Violence: Guidance for Professionals assists justice, health, and social services professionals in making informed decisions about privacy...

News Release

- Published on May 28, 2024

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LifeLabs to appeal court’s decision to release breach investigation report

LifeLabs is seeking leave to appeal a court decision upholding the decision of the Information and Privacy Commissioners of Ontario and British Columbia to publish their joint investigation report concerning the 2019 cyberattack on LifeLabs’ computer systems.

News Release

- Published on May 23, 2024

IPC comments on Bill 188, the Supporting Children's Futures Act

The IPC made recommendations to the Standing Committee on Social Policy in relation to proposed amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. It is the IPC’s position that any changes related to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information must be transparent and matched by a...

Resource

- Published on May 17, 2024

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Season 4 - Episode 3 of Info Matters! Navigating homelessness, identity, and privacy

Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Robert Fabes of The Ottawa Mission about how to provide access to essential services to people experiencing homelessness, while respecting their privacy and dignity.

Multimedia

- Published on May 7, 2024

Embarking on my new journey as the IPC’s Scholar-in-Residence

Guest blog by Dr. Khaled El Emam As I begin my tenure as the IPC’s second Scholar-in- Residence, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In this age where data, especially personal information, has become an indispensable asset for all organizations, we have much to...

Blog

- Published on May 2, 2024

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New resource: Interpretation Bulletins

New Interpretation Bulletins join the five bulletins published last year. Published to help people involved in an appeal better understand what to expect and to increase the transparency of our adjudication process, they also provide insight into how the IPC, and the courts, have interpreted...

Resource

- Published on Apr 30, 2024

Latest additions our IPC FYI series. Guides on your health privacy rights

What tools exist to help you control your health information? Our IPC FYI series has the answers!

Multimedia

- Published on Apr 17, 2024

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New Info Matters episode: Facial recognition and privacy

This episode looks at a technology that has its eyes on you! Commissioner Kosseim speaks with lawyer Cynthia Khoo about the privacy and human rights implications of facial recognition systems.

Multimedia

- Published on Apr 4, 2024

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Interpretation Bulletin: Third party information

This interpretation bulletin discusses the third party information exemption, as set out in section 17(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and section 10(1) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). It outlines the...

Resource

- Published on Mar 19, 2024

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Interpretation Bulletin: Public Interest Override

This interpretation bulletin explains the public interest override provision, as set out in section 23 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and section 16 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). This document outlines the...

Resource

- Published on Mar 19, 2024

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Commissioner’s blog: AI on campus

Commissioner Kosseim writes about a recent IPC investigation into a university’s use of AI-powered exam proctoring software. The recommendations provide valuable lessons for schools on how to avoid the privacy pitfalls of artificial intelligence.

Blog

- Published on Mar 7, 2024