B.C.’s privacy watchdog is concerned the new BC Services Card may put private data at risk and has asked for increased security features to be implemented before its introduction.
The B.C. government announced the new cards last month as part of a strategy to increase online access to government services and to integrate personal information with one card.
But Elizabeth Denham, B.C.’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, said in a statement released Friday she is “deeply concerned” the public has not been consulted on the risks and benefits of data linkage.
“The BC Services Card program raises significant concerns regarding misuse of personal data, such as unauthorized access, profiling, and function creep,” Denham said.
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There will be three versions of the new, multi-purpose card. Starting Feb. 15, British Columbians can replace their old CareCards with a combined photo ID card that can also serve as your driver’s licence.
Eventually, the new cards will also facilitate access to a range of provincial services. They will have an integrated circuit chip as a security feature and information that is transferred online will be encrypted. However, with the possibility of information being shared between ministries, Denham said a higher encryption level should be used.
But privacy critics say the public deserves to know more about the cards before being forced to use them.
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“This government has got to come clean on the card before we are all forced to use it,” said Micheal Vonn, policy director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association said in a statement. “British Columbians have been provided almost no real information about it, and the commissioner herself says she was only given an ‘abbreviated time for review’ of the program.”
Denham has made several recommendations to the government aimed at informing the public of potential risks, and to ensure there are security mandates in place before the cards come into circulation.
However, the government argues the new cards, which will cost $150 million over five years, will improve patient security and guard against health care fraud.
Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid told reporters last month that while she understands privacy concerns, the new cards will not allow unauthorized people to access confidential health records.
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