Privacy & Data Protection

PIPEDA

Also called: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Federal Privacy Law

Canada's federal private-sector privacy law governing personal information in commercial activity.

Varies by jurisdiction. Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec have their own substantially similar private-sector privacy statutes that apply instead of PIPEDA in many situations.

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act requires meaningful consent for collecting, using and disclosing personal information, limits use to identified purposes, and requires safeguards appropriate to sensitivity. It applies to commercial activity across Canada except where a province has substantially similar legislation.

Why it matters: it applies to most Canadian businesses handling customer data, including small ones, and includes mandatory breach reporting.

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Legal information, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and change over time. A licensed lawyer must review your matter.

Editorial status: Lawkin Editorial — pending independent legal review.

PIPEDA — Canadian legal glossary | Lawkin — Lawkin