| The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is often criticized for its privacy policies and practices, as it handles a vast amount of sensitive personal information. However, it is important to note how the DHS does attempt to protect personal privacy, in policy as well as practice. In addition to compliance with federal privacy legislation, such as the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and the Privacy Act, the Department consults with privacy professionals in order to evaluate new or potential programs, systems, technologies and certain rule-making procedures in order to appropriately handle personal information. This article takes a look at exactly how the Department of Homeland Security approaches privacy [...] Guided by privacy legislation and internal privacy policies, US federal government agencies and departments strive to protect citizens’ personal information and privacy rights. This article introduces the privacy practices of three federal departments: the US Census Bureau, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the US Department of [...] The US Secure Flight Program has garnered much public concern and disapproval in Canada, where many Canadians are finding themselves subject to the controversial regulations when flying over US airspace. Aviation security is a high priority issue for the Canadian federal Privacy Commissioner, who earlier this year carried out an investigation of airport security scanners being installed in Canadian airports. While security is an issue in the aviation industry, the Privacy Commissioner, along with other privacy watchdogs, insist that security measures must also respect the privacy and personal dignity of travelers in Canadian [...] The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is mandated to oversee compliance with the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), a number of provinces have had their own private sector privacy legislation declared as substantially similar to federal statutes. A number of provinces have Privacy Commissioners Offices and Ombudsmen who work in conjunction with the federal Privacy Commissioner of Canada. They are responsible for the protection of personal information rights of Canadians under specific provincial legislation. Thus, provincial Commissioners must negotiate concurrent or overlapping jurisdiction with the federal Privacy Commissioner. Alberta PIPA: About The Personal Information and Protection [...] In addition to Canadian Federal privacy legislation – the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, or PIPEDA – a number of Canadian provinces have also established their own substantially similar privacy statutes. Organizations operating in these provinces must respect the provincial legislation with respect to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information as well as the other federal regulations. Provincial & Territorial Privacy Laws As Canada’s privacy protection model takes a co-regulatory approach, a number of provinces and territories have established legislation with respect to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information within private sector [...] The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an officer of Parliament responsible for investigating violations against the Privacy Act (1983) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, or PIPEDA (2000). The Privacy Commissioner and those assisting the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) act as advocates for Canadians’ privacy rights. The OPC takes and investigates privacy violations and brings citizens’ concerns to the federal government. Like all federal government agencies, the OPC is funded through the Treasury Board Secretariat, which enables it to fulfill its responsibilities under the Privacy Act as well as the [...] With the advent of new technologies and the information-driven society, it has become increasingly difficult for governments to safeguard the privacy rights of their citizens. Various models of privacy protection have been developed in response to concerns and violations of personal information. This article discusses the three main models: sectoral, comprehensive and co-regulatory approaches to privacy protection. Specific examples of each model are also [...] The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms indirectly protects the individual’s right to privacy. The Privacy Act aimed to extend Canadian laws to protect not only individual privacy, but also to promote right of access for individuals to be able to know about and change personal information held by the government. It was the first Act explicitly protecting the privacy rights of [...] In May 2006, an Executive Order of the President created the Identity Theft Task Force. The Task Force includes members of several Federal agencies and departments. In September 2006, the Task Force released a number of recommendations ahead of the May 2007 document “Combatting ID Theft: Strategic Plan” in order to help agencies get a head start on the growing problem of identity [...] Most privacy legislation and executive orders dealing with privacy concern protecting the common citizen’s right to privacy. While Government employees are not always afforded the same privacy and civil liberties rights, the government has taken some steps to safeguard their [...] | |
