British Columbia to Guard Privacy Against Patriot Act

I’m perplexed
The USA PATRIOT Act does not apply in Canada. I realize most high school students in the States think Canada is another state, but really it is a different country – I’ve been there.

I think the solution proposed in the article; not transferring the data to the US or to US firms where it could be subject to US laws is just fine. There are many other places, especially in the EU where data protections are much stronger than those in the US. Ireland’s Data Protection Act is among the most restrictive on the disclosure and use of personal information.

The data protections in the States could be strengthened, but frankly that is like closing the hen house door after the fox has visited. I suppose if we enact strict standards in the States now we can protect new data, but really if I want to find out anything on anyone in the States I can. Commercial databases hold so much medical, financial and personal information without much regulation – other than industry imposed self regulation- that I just give up. Anyone want to know my cholesterol, I bet given a real desire and 10 minutes they would have it.

So if the Canadians want to protect their data from what they consider intrusive laws I certainly understand why they would want to avoid countries that enact privacy laws with which they disagree. Good for you Canada.

There are of course other considerations especially as they involve immigration, travel, trade and transport through our adjoining countries, so if Canadian employees of subsidiaries of US based firms have trouble traveling or getting a visa it may be because of these provisions.

Data protection is a double edged sword, while we want to be protected, the sharing of some information with our consent makes our lives easier. I have not read the proposed legislation, but if it prohibits all disclosure, even voluntary disclosure, it will not facilitate international trade or travel. That is a decision we each make every day privacy v. convenience.

154 by the way.