Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

Nobody knows exactly what tomorrow holds—but it's barrelling toward us ever faster. We need robust systems to protect our privacy and access rights, no matter what the tech landscape looks like. Discover how our office is helping to future-proof Ontario's laws in an age of uncertainty: https://ow.ly/cGyu50Sk8MA

Imagine waiting in a hospital emergency room where an AI-enabled seat monitored your vital signs. Would you feel safer? Would you worry about your privacy? Maybe a bit of both? Integrating AI into health care could help lift administrative burdens, make service delivery more efficient, and improve the overall experience of both patients and staff. But AI also comes bundled with a number of privacy concerns. In the latest episode of the Info Matters podcast, Commissioner Patricia Kosseim talks to Dr. Devin Singh, staff physician and the lead for clinical AI and machine learning in paediatric emergency medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Singh is also a co-founder and CEO of Hero AI, a company dedicated to leveraging AI to solve some of health care’s greatest challenges. He told us about how he navigates privacy and ethical concerns in his work. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or on the IPC website: https://ow.ly/Vxlh50Smv37

A troubling finding from our annual report: snooping is on the rise. In 2023, the IPC saw 34 per cent increase in snooping cases across all sectors. All institutions must take the necessary measures to curb this type of behaviour by developing ongoing training programs, limiting access on a need-to-know basis, and implementing effective checks and balances, such as electronic audit trails. Read our annual report to learn more about how the IPC is working to restore trust in Ontario's public institutions. https://ow.ly/hhms50Sk7VQ

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples day, we recognize and celebrate the right of Indigenous people to express their views, raise concerns, and to access their information. Join us as we acknowledge and protect their right to equal access, inclusion and full participation.

From assembling our Youth Advisory Council to developing privacy-focused materials for Ontario schools, the IPC launched a raft of youth-focused initiatives last year. Read the IPC's 2023 annual report to find out how our work is helping to prepare the next generation of digital citizens. https://ow.ly/lZJC50Sk7am

New #InfoMatters podcast episode on artificial intelligence in health care. Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Dr. Devin Singh of The Hospital for Sick Children about the use of AI in health care and how to balance innovation with privacy. Listen now: https://ow.ly/S4SG50SmoBZ

In 2023, the IPC had a record-breaking caseload with 3,100 incoming files. Our team closed more than 2,900 of them, resolving files 18 per cent faster than they did the year before. Learn more about how the IPC is making strides in clearing file backlogs: https://ow.ly/tO3H50Sk6s2

Public institutions, listen up! While contracting services may seem like a good solution, remember accountability cannot be outsourced. It's crucial to understand your access and privacy obligations, especially when partnering with third party service providers. At the IPC, we're all about championing Privacy and Transparency in Modern Government – it's one of our top priorities. Our mission? Advance Ontarians’ privacy and access rights by working with public institutions to develop bedrock principles and comprehensive governance frameworks for the responsible and accountable deployment of digital technologies. Stay informed, stay accountable. https://ow.ly/hNwW50Sk5JX

Have you reviewed our guidance on Sharing Information in Situations Involving Intimate Partner Violence? This crucial guide is designed to enhance your understanding of rights and obligations under Ontario’s privacy laws for sharing personal or health information related to intimate partner violence. Each organization and service provider should establish strong governance frameworks to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals they serve. These frameworks should include robust policies and practices for sharing personal information and staff should receive regular training on how to interpret and apply these guidelines. Swipe to learn more about good governance around sharing personal information. For more information, visit our guide: https://lnkd.in/gE7Ss6j8

Prescribed entities are specific organizations entrusted with greater legal flexibility to process sensitive information for public good. That might include health information that researchers need to progress our understanding of a rare disease. Prescribed entities are rare in Ontario, and they're subject to a careful review by the IPC every three years. Read our 2023 annual report to learn how the IPC is modernizing the review process to ensure that Ontarians' rights are protected: https://ow.ly/zHer50SjYvf