Privacy & Data Protection

Privacy Breach Notification

Also called: Data Breach Reporting, Real Risk of Significant Harm

The obligation to report a security breach that creates a real risk of significant harm.

Under PIPEDA, organisations must report qualifying breaches to the Privacy Commissioner and notify affected individuals as soon as feasible, and must keep records of all breaches regardless of whether they are reportable.

Why it matters: the record-keeping duty applies to every breach, not only reportable ones, and failing to report a qualifying breach carries its own consequences.

Related terms

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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.

Privacy Breach Notification — Canadian legal glossary | Lawkin — Lawkin