Tag: privacy
Bill C-26: Cybersecurity Hero or Privacy Villain?
Everything you need to know about cybersecurity Bill C-26
What we heard from YOU on child online safety
Results show parents' concerns about their children's exposure to harmful content and lack of knowledge on online safety practices.
Your voice, DELIVERED: 103,000+ petition signers urge Senate to fix Bill C-11!
Canada’s Senate just introduced a key amendment that nips many of Bill C-11’s problems in the bud — but brought a HUGE new threat to our privacy along with it.
Conditions of Uncertainty: Bill C-27’s approach to sensitive personal information is not enough
What kinds of information are deserving of special protection under Canadian privacy law? We explore the current landscape in light of Canada's proposed privacy laws, and look to other jurisdictions that are doing it better.
Your voice, DELIVERED: OpenMedia community speaks out more than 17,000 times to demand urgent privacy protections now!
This week, we delivered more than 11K signatures calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to create strong privacy protections for people in Canada, and nearly 6K messages have been sent!
Mapping the Data Broker Economy (Blog 3): Telus
In order to shine a light on the data broker economy, we’ve filed personal information requests to take back our data, and are exploring the privacy risks of data brokers.
What Canada can learn from the United States when it comes to taking on Data Brokers
Canada's new privacy bill fails to follow the lead of our biggest trading partner.
Mapping the Data Broker Economy (Blog 2): The Pelmorex Corporation
In order to shine a light on the data broker economy, we’ve filed personal information requests to take back our data, and are exploring the privacy risks of data brokers.
The Absolute Bare Minimum: Privacy and the New Bill C-27
Canada is under pressure to pass new federal privacy laws for the commercial sector. Find out what these new laws mean for you!
Mapping the Data Broker Economy: Taking Back Our Data
In order to shine a light on the data broker economy, we’ve filed personal information requests to take back our data, and are exploring the privacy risks of data brokers.
What’s the Biggest Lie on the Internet?
How websites are designed to lead us into “agreeing” with things we don’t really understand.
Everything you need to know about data brokers
For data brokers, being unseen is part of the strategy. So we’re shining a light on the dangerous economy of selling YOUR data.
Regaining Privacy: Winning the Battle Against Device Searches at the Border
Parliamentarians just acknowledged that our personal electronic devices are different from our luggage, and deserve special privacy protections at the border.
How the federal government failed to protect our mobility data
Instead of keeping its promise to strengthen Canada’s privacy laws, the federal government is taking advantage of our system’s weaknesses.
Our location data: What we know now
What we’ve learned one week into testimony about the government’s use of cell phone tracking during COVID-19.
Message to Higher Education: Trust Students, not Pandemic Profiteers
If we’re going to overcome this pandemic, our public institutions need to reject the rhetoric of mistrust by disowning the remote proctoring companies that profit off misfortune.
Survey Results: The Privacy Act in Canada
The OpenMedia community rallied together to make our voices heard about the importance of privacy protections in the public sector.
Will Bill C-11 #FixPrivacy in Canada or make it worse?
We were told that Bill C-11 would introduce huge fines for privacy violations. We put it to the test and it completely fails.
Facial recognition technology is one of the most racist weapons in the police arsenal
So long as the police are using it, surveillance tech like facial recognition is helping to power systemic racism.
Data collection, privacy, and COVID-19
How can the government protect privacy if cell phone tracking is used to combat COVID-19?
Good news: Privacy wins in Statistics Canada case
Following a privacy investigation, Statistics Canada’s proposed collection of sensitive financial data has been shelved. But we need long-overdue updates to our privacy laws to make sure we’re protected in the future.
What does a Liberal minority government mean for Canada’s Internet?
The verdict of the election is here. So what is going to happen to the future of digital policy in Canada?
Need a break from the election? Here are some happy memories
The past year has been a rollercoaster on the digital rights front. But together, the OpenMedia community has achieved a lot. Here’s an overview of our wins and what’s on the horizon.
Request your personal information from political parties using our new tool
“My Political Data” empowers citizens to exercise rights to their personal information
How do they score? We rated the new privacy policies of all the major parties – and every single one failed on key best practices.
Canada’s political parties have failed to meet basic privacy expectations. Now we’re calling on them to protect personal information and empower citizens.
Spreading the word about our rights the border
Our ads informing travelers about the rules for searching digital devices at borders and airports are now up on public transit. But we need to keep spreading the word about how we can get out-of-date search rules changed.
The ads that Vancouver Airport executives don’t want you to see
Vancouver International authorities don't want people to know about digital strip searches at the border, but we're fighting back
Digital device privacy at the Canadian border
Canada’s border agents can search digital devices like phones and laptops when you cross the border. But that’s only because our laws are in serious need of an update.
Why are political parties refusing to comply with Canadian privacy laws?
Why are Canada's political parties exempt from following federal privacy law just like any other business? It is not entirely clear, but the public is demanding immediate action.
I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.
Your support fuels our work and the people who are behind it. Thank you so much!
I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.
Your support fuels our work and the people who are behind it. Thank you so much!
72% of people in Canada support stronger privacy rules for political parties
A vast majority of Canadians support changing the law so that political parties follow the same privacy rules as private companies. But politicians remain keen to keep the exemptions that they have given themselves.
“Cambridge Analytica is the canary in the coal mine”, says whistleblower Christopher Wylie
Yesterday, Christopher Wylie, former director of research at Cambridge Analytica, testified before a Canadian parliamentary committee and answered questions on the state of privacy, including a crowdsourced question from our community.
New elections legislation fails to address privacy concerns
Bill C-76 fails to provide the necessary protections for citizens’ personal data or limit exemptions for political parties.
Applying for a U.S. visa? “Extreme digital vetting” could be about to get worse
The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that could force every single U.S. visa applicant to provide five years of social media history — affecting nearly 15 million people per year.
The Cost of Free Expression Online for Women
"The Internet reflects and amplifies the inequalities found offline, and while the government recognizing online gendered violence as an issue is an important step, it is clearly not enough. We need a cohesive and collective strategy to tackle this problem."
Facebook data scandal: A wake up call to reform Canada’s outdated privacy laws
The Facebook data scandal is an opportunity for Canadians to push for reform of out-of-date privacy laws that have failed to protect them so far.
Taking your voices to the Standing Committee on National Security
On February 8th, our Executive Director, Laura Tribe testified before the Parliamentary committee reviewing Bill C-59, delivering thousands of voices and raising Canadians’ top privacy concerns.
What Would You Ask the Parliamentary Committee Reviewing Bill C-59?
Save the date — we’ll be testifying before the Parliamentary committee reviewing Bill C-59 on February 8th, and want to know what YOU would like us to raise before the committee.
Standing Together to Build a Brighter Digital Future
There are powerful forces standing in the way of the world we want to build, but with you by our side, we keep moving forward.
New Year, New Fight: 2017 in review and the battle ahead for digital rights
From Net Neutrality to proposed mandatory content filtering in the EU, 2017 was a big year for Internet advocates. What's next in 2018?
This Holiday Season Border Agents Have Your Privacy On Their Wish List
A concerning rise in phone searches this year comes to show Canadian and U.S. law essentially see no difference between searching your suitcase and searching your cell phone or laptop.
C-59: Taking Action to Stop the Spying
Right now, critical reforms to National Security legislation are being discussed by Parliamentary committee. But the reforms need some major fixes for our digital rights to be properly protected.
Three ways NAFTA helps the powerful bend the rules
Corporate greed has no limits. Time and time again we see the big and powerful seize every opportunity they can to suit their interests and trample ours, as in the case of NAFTA:
Defending Your Digital Rights in NAFTA 2.0
We recently submitted a brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT), recommending what the government should do to ensure Canadians’ best interests are protected when it comes to how our digital rights are treated in a new NAFTA.
Last Chance: Stop Social Media Spying
Under new rules, 65,000 people a year are being asked to provide every social media handle they used over the past five years. We can't allow this to happen!
Bill C-59: More must be done to reverse the legacy of C-51
Bill C-59, intended to address the controversial measures in Bill C-51, does not go far enough.
OpenMedia, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship
From me, to you — it’s been a pleasure. Lots of gratitude for those who taught me and supported our work along the way.
Privacy Commissioner’s report calls on the RCMP to increase transparency around the use of cellphone surveillance tools
A complaint launched by OpenMedia into the use of IMSI-catchers (a.k.a Stingrays) reveals that six warrantless deployments of the device violated the Charter
Will the long overdue Bill C-51 reform finally give Canadians the privacy protections they deserve?
Writing for Rabble and Common Ground, our Marie Aspiazu argues that Canadians won't accept half-measures when it comes to C-51 reforms.
NAFTA: Our Digital Rights are not for sale (or trade)
OpenMedia’s official submission to the NAFTA consultation puts the digital rights concerns of Canadians front and centre
Protecting encryption: our message to Five Eyes
With Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US all poised to challenge our right to encryption, we’re sending a message about what’s at stake for our privacy and security.
National Security reforms: major step forward, but fail to tackle many of Bill C-51’s biggest problems
The government’s new National Security Act 2017 will need to be substantially strengthened as it progresses through Parliament to protect the privacy of Canadians
Dear Editor: The UK needs strong encryption
With a new Government elected in the UK, let's make sure that digital privacy is top of mind for all MPs -- strong encryption saves lives, and we need to Save Our Security in the UK!
NAFTA renegotiation could undermine Canada’s digital freedoms
An imminent renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) raises big concerns in the Canadian digital rights sphere, including the undermining of our stronger privacy, net neutrality and intellectual property policies.
Government report on National Security consultation confirms Canadians are demanding a full repeal of Bill C-51
Responding to the government’s consultation loud and clear, Canadians call for robust privacy protections.
Home Office leak reveals secret plan to end encryption
A shocking leak reveals Home Office plans to gain real-time access to our texts AND force companies like WhatsApp to break the security on its own software.
The RCMP’s admission that it spies on our cellphones is long overdue, but leaves important questions unanswered
After years in the dark, the RCMP has finally admitted they are using Stingray Canadian devices to spy on Canadians' cellphones. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Stingrays spying in Ottawa! Have you cc’d Goodale yet?
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale’s response to Ottawa’s Stingray scandal has been woefully inadequate for Canadian privacy. We need a stronger plan to #StopStingrays — and this is where you come in, OpenMedia community.
#Crowdsource C-51: taking back transparency
Bill C-51 is finally up for reform, after months of public consultations. But how do we know our feedback is being taken seriously? Presenting CrowdsourceC51.ca
Do you know where your private data travels online?
Our friends at IXmaps have launched a greatly improved Internet mapping tool to let you see exactly where your private data travels online
Your views on privacy and the impacts of government surveillance could win you $5,000
Are you an undergrad or high-school student in the U.S. or UK? Your views on government surveillance could win you $5000 through a scholarship from our friends at ExpressVPN.
Privacy Commissioner calls on government to ensure protection of Canadians’ data in U.S.
The federal Privacy Commissioner asks Cabinet to ensure privacy rights of Canadians are respected.
Your shoes, your liquids… and your Facebook password?
Disturbing new proposals in the U.S. could force every traveler to hand over their digital devices and social media passwords. We’re taking action.
Is your Internet data ending up in the NSA’s hands?
Have you ever heard of Internet Exchanges? They are the physical places that ensure your data reliably makes it from point A to point B. But their physical nature and location also makes us more vulnerable to surveillance.
The government has released public input on reckless Bill C-51—here’s what’s next
Now that the government has made your Bill C-51 feedback public, we’ve got suggestions for your next steps!
How surveillance undermines democratic values we all hold dear
You may be wondering what all the fuzz is about in the privacy arena lately. So here’s why you should be paying attention.
Release of security consultation submissions is a win for transparency, but litmus test will be how government responds
Submissions from 12,156 Canadians have been published online by Public Safety Canada, with remaining submissions expected to be made public in the coming weeks.
3 cheers for your secret data, from your not-so-secret admirers at OpenMedia
We’re rolling out a slew of privacy events and tools this spring - ‘cause we honour the security of our beloved community and always put safety first!
EVENT: Join us this Feb 22 to learn more about your digital footprint
How often do we stop to think about the digital breadcrumbs that get left behind in the wake of so much online activity?
We’re taking action: Trump’s attack on Canadian privacy
Trump’s recent attack on Canadian privacy has thrown Canadian data sharing agreements into the spotlight. We’re taking action with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to ask for serious reconsideration of how Canadians should be protected from privacy violations in light of intrusive data sharing.
Here’s what we just told key MPs about Bill C-51
Our Executive Director Laura Tribe testified before a key House of Commons committee studying Bill C-51’s information sharing provisions
Canada must urgently reassess data sharing with the U.S.
President Trump's elimination of Privacy Act protections for foreigners calls for the Canadian government to immediately step up and assess what the impacts are of sharing our personal information with the U.S.
#ProtectPressFreedom: Join us on this National Day of Action!
The combination of multiple spying scandals involving Canadian journalists as well as powerful national opposition to Bill C-51 have sparked a national day of action on civil liberties, privacy and press freedom. Join us!
Digital rights privilege problem: How trying to reach everyone becomes exclusive
Our Ruth Coustick-Deal discusses the need to make a conscious and deliberate effort to make digital rights campaigning more inclusive to ensure all voices, especially those of minorities, are reflected in our work. If you have any suggestions of how our organization can better address this issue, please drop us a comment below!
Top 10 ways you helped save the Internet in 2016
As we face the challenges of 2017, let’s all be inspired by these amazing examples of how you helped save the Internet last year.
We’re calling for transparency on Bill C-51
Over 30 civil society organizations and experts have signed a joint letter calling on the government to restore trust in the commitment to respond to Canadians’ concerns over mass surveillance
IXmaps: See where your data travels!
OpenMedia is thrilled to partner with top privacy researchers in the launch of this new educational platform
In open letter to PM, top Canadian business leaders identify serious concerns with National Security consultation
Over 60 business leaders warn that proposals under consideration by the federal government will change Canada's business climate for the worse
Trump’s election should prompt Canada to rethink its complicity with U.S. mass surveillance
Do Trump's pronouncements on issues of online privacy, surveillance, and net neutrality send a shiver down your spine? It might be a wake up call for Canada.
Secure yourself in under 5 minutes: A quick and easy guide for staying safe at protests and rallies
TL;DR Going to a protest? Do this: 1 - put a password on your phone, 2 - protect your accounts with strong passwords, 3 - encrypt your texts and call
Bill C-51: Canadians won’t accept tinkering at the margins
Our own Victoria Henry argues that Canadians deserve better than Bill C-51 - we deserve our privacy back.
Join the #YourNatlSec twitter chat and tell Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale Canadians want privacy reforms
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale is asking for your feedback in an online discussion – let’s make sure we speak out!
We just met with top decision-makers at Public Safety about Bill C-51: here’s what we told them
Your OpenMedia team met with top officials at Public Safety Canada about Bill C-51 — and we had lots to say!
This week’s C-51 hearings may have been flawed, but we made sure your message was heard loud and clear
As the public hearings on the unpopular Bill C-51 culminate in Halifax tonight, let’s look back at how the consultations unfolded throughout the week, and where we go next.
Video Preview of tonight’s C-51 Public Hearings in Vancouver
Here's our David Christopher with a preview of tonight's C-51 public consultations in Vancouver. Our Executive Director Laura Tribe will be testifying on behalf of Canadians who want to see this legislation repealed.
Despite flaws, the government’s security consultation finally gives us a real chance to repeal Bill C-51
A long-awaited public consultation on national security is finally here and although it is not as focused towards public concerns, we must make the best of it.
Privacy Commissioner’s Annual Report confirms that the system is broken
Privacy Commissioner’s findings underscore the need for a complete repeal of Bill C-51 and an end to the bulk collection of Canadians’ metadata
Our Best Chance to Repeal Bill C-51 is Officially Here
An overdue promise has become a reality and we need everyone on board to ensure all Canadians can experience privacy and security online.
National security consultation opens door to repealing Bill C-51 but framing of issues raises concerns
Launched following pressure from over 300,000 Canadians, government consultation focuses more on concerns of police than needs of public.
Our last, best chance to restore our rights and repeal Bill C-51
The consultation that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been longing for is around the corner.
Letter to the Community: The road ahead for OpenMedia
Our new Executive Director Laura Tribe introduces herself and looks at the exciting challenges we’ll face over the months ahead.
How to Protect Your Privacy On Your Pokémon Journey
Pokémon Go is sweeping the globe, but what is it doing with your data?
Your OpenMedia Quarterly Roundup: the amazing things our community pulled off in the past 3 months
It’s incredible what we achieve together.
Got something to say about Privacy? You could win $4,000 through this new scholarship program
Our friends at ExpressVPN have a new scholarship for U.S.-based undergraduates and high school students keen on sharing their thoughts about online privacy with a global audience. Here's what you need to do to enter.
Security oversight committee is an encouraging step, but we have a long way to go to safeguard Canadians’ privacy
Today’s announcement has the potential to strengthen oversight of Canada’s security agencies, but is only the first of many reforms required.
What is the VPD hiding? Pro-privacy groups are digging deeper for answers on Stingray use
VPD admitted it doesn’t have the device, but recent revelations on RCMP use of Stingrays raise doubts on whether these devices have been used by other law enforcement agencies.
Motherboard reveals that RCMP have been using Stingray devices extensively while indefinitely storing sensitive information on innocent Canadians
Today it was revealed by Motherboard that the RCMP have been extensively using Stingray devices in Canada for the past decade, scooping up the sensitive information of thousands of innocent Canadians in the process.
OpenMedia delivered your views on Canada’s Bill C-51 to Minister Goodale
Our own Laura Tribe met with Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, to discuss the reckless, dangerous and ineffective Bill C-51. Here's what happened and what happens next.
Help shape the future of our weekly Internet Insider
Have you ever heard of our Internet Insider? It's OpenMedia's weekly newsletter with an overview of relevant digital rights news and what our team has been up to behind the scenes. We are currently redesigning what we think to be a useful resource that just hasn't gotten the attention it deserves, so first, we need your feedback!
OpenMedia works to keep the Internet open, affordable, and surveillance-free. We create community-driven campaigns to engage, educate, and empower people to safeguard the Internet. Take action now
View all campaigns
Take action now!
Sign up to be in the loop
Donate to support our work