Commissioner to appear before Parliamentary committee to discuss annual report on privacy and study on social media platforms and foreign entities

Summary

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Philippe Dufresne, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, is scheduled to appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) to discuss two significant matters. The first matter is the 2022-23 annual report of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, which provides an overview of the office’s activities and accomplishments during the fiscal year. The second matter is the committee’s study on the use of social media platforms for data harvesting and the unethical or illicit sharing of personal information with foreign entities.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s annual report will likely cover various aspects, including the office’s efforts to promote privacy awareness, enforcement of privacy laws, and handling of privacy complaints. The report may also highlight the office’s key achievements, challenges faced, and future priorities in protecting Canadians’ privacy.

Regarding the committee’s study on social media platforms, Commissioner Dufresne will likely provide insights on the potential risks and impacts of data harvesting and the sharing of personal information with foreign entities. The study aims to examine the extent to which social media platforms are used for data harvesting and how they facilitate the sharing of personal information with foreign entities. The Commissioner’s testimony will provide valuable information on the office’s concerns, findings, and recommendations for addressing these issues.

The appearance will be streamed online on ParlVU, allowing the public to access the discussion and engage with the topics being addressed. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has also provided contact information for those interested in learning more about the appearance or submitting questions or concerns.

Overall, this appearance before the ETHI committee provides an opportunity for Commissioner Dufresne to share the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s perspectives and expertise on privacy issues, particularly in the context of social media platforms and foreign entities. The discussion will likely shed light on the office’s latest initiatives and priorities in promoting and protecting Canadians’ privacy.