Canada Drops Plan to Share Personal Data with US

The Canadian government was all set to let the United States house a database of personal information about Canadians in an attempt to improve border security – but has quietly abandoned the idea. Why won’t Canada share the information?

The Canadian Press’ Jim Bronskill says many critics were outspoken against the idea, saying it could open the door to abuse of sensitive data. The plan would have seen Canada share information on special drivers’ licenses.

Does that mean the border won’t be secure? Bronskill says the office of Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart is simply recommending Canadians use their passports as travel documents.

Earlier this year, a group of officials issued “a joint resolution expressing concern about privacy and security risks of the program, and called for safeguards including assurances drivers' personal information would remain in Canada,” Bronskill says.

However, he adds that Canada’s border agency would seek assurances from the U.S. that “appropriate auditing mechanisms” were in place and that the data would be used only for cross-border purposes. Canadians could also be advised that their information may be disclosed.

To read the full article, click here: http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/452160