Privacy commissioners from across the country are warning of potential risks associated with government COVID-19 apps used to trace the movements of Canadians.
Some provinces have already introduced smartphone apps designed to track users and notify them if they’ve been in close proximity to a person with COVID-19.
Federal privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien says the health crisis calls for some flexibility when it comes to the application of privacy laws.
Get breaking National news
But he says there is a way to use technology to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus without sacrificing fundamental rights to privacy.
- ‘Brutal winter’ leaves Toronto roads battered as city launches 3rd pothole blitz
- Former PM Joe Clark’s boyhood home hits the market for less than $1 million
- China denies forced labour allegations amid fallout from Michael Ma’s comments
- Family fighting to bring B.C. senior home after she fell into a coma in China
The commissioners released guidelines for provinces, urging them to be transparent and accountable about how their apps work and what is being done with users’ personal information.
They say the apps should also be secure to safeguard personal data, which should be destroyed once the crisis is over.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.