13.23°C Vancouver
Ads

Sep 22, 2023 6:00 PM - The Canadian Press

Canada Post reviewing use of address data following criticism from privacy watchdog

Share On
canada-post-reviewing-use-of-address-data-following-criticism-from-privacy-watchdog
Privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne said in a report released this week that information collected for the post office's Smartmail Marketing Program includes data about where individuals live and what type of online shopping they do, based on who sends them packages.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada Post says it is reviewing how it uses data for tailored marketing campaigns after the federal privacy watchdog found the post office was breaking the law by gleaning information from the outsides of envelopes and packages.

Privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne said in a report released this week that information collected for the post office's Smartmail Marketing Program includes data about where individuals live and what type of online shopping they do, based on who sends them packages.

The information is then used to help build marketing lists that Canada Post rents to businesses.

The commissioner found Canada Post had not obtained authorization from individuals to indirectly collect such personal information, a violation of Section 5 of the Privacy Act.

In a statement today, Canada Post says it is committed to the privacy law and the protections it places on personal information, and will therefore review its data services program.

The post office says it understands the public might have concerns and that it will live up to the standards that Canadians expect.

Latest news

vancouver-firefighters-remind-the-importance-of-smoke-alarms
CanadaMay 08, 2025

Vancouver firefighters remind the importance of smoke alarms

Vancouver firefighters are putting out an urgent reminder to have working smoke detectors after seven people were found in a home unaware that the attic and roof were on fire above them. The fire department says a quick call from a neighbour, combined with firefighters being close by, likely prevented serious harm and property damage. The department says fires grow hotter and faster in modern homes than in any year previous. It says smoke detectors are critical to alert all occupants inside a building of danger.
indias-home-minister-asks-border-states-to-be-on-high-alert
IndiaMay 07, 2025

India’s home minister asks border states to be on high alert

Amit Shah says he has met with the governors of states bordering Pakistan and Nepal and asked them “to maintain the availability of essential goods and services and to keep relief and rescue forces” on alert. “Instructed to monitor and take swift action on anti-national propaganda on all media platforms and to maintain seamless communication and security at vulnerable points,” Shah said in a social media post.
pedestrian-dies-after-being-hit-by-train-in-chilliwack
BCMay 07, 2025

Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Chilliwack

A pedestrian has been reported dead after being hit by a train in Chilliwack. The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. The RCMP’s Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment reported the incident in a social media post. Police said the incident led to the closure of Young Road between Chilliwack Central Road and Alexander Avenue, adding that Broadway, which is between Chilliwack Central Road and First Avenue, was also closed due to the accident.
man-charged-after-mother-pushing-stroller-randomly-assaulted
BCMay 07, 2025

Man charged after mother pushing stroller randomly assaulted

Police in New Westminster say a person has been charged after an unprovoked stranger assault of a woman who was pushing a stroller earlier this week.They say the incident happened around 1 p.m. on Monday,officers were dispatched and immediately found someone matching the description of the suspect.Police say the suspect did not initially comply with officers but they were eventually able to de-escalate the situation and arrest the man. They say the 27-year-old now faces one count of assault causing bodily harm and one count of obstructing a police officer.
india-conducts-mock-drill-in-244-districts-amid-tension-between-pakistan-and-india
IndiaMay 07, 2025

India conducts mock drill in 244 districts amid tension between Pakistan and India

In view of the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India, India conducted mock drill in 244 districts on Wednesday, during which a complete blackout was imposed in these districts for some time. During the mock drill, people, employees and students were also taught rescue and evacuation methods in emergency situations. During the mock drill, many cities of Punjab including Jalandhar, Amritsar and Mohali-Ludhiana echoed with the sound of sirens. A mock drill was conducted in 20 districts of Punjab from 7.30 pm, as soon as the siren sounded, the lights went off, vehicles stopped on the roads
ADS
Ads

Related News

ADS
Ads