OTTAWA – 4 May 2020 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today filed an Application with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) requesting oversight of pandemic “contact-tracing” apps and network services that may be offered for Canadians to download to their smartphones.
The Application requests that the CRTC ensure that all Canadian telecommunications service providers’ involvement in potential or actual pandemic contact-tracing for public health purposes is in accordance with privacy requirements under Canada’s telecommunications legislation.
PIAC Executive Director John Lawford stated: “PIAC is seeking oversight, clarity and transparency from the CRTC so that Canadians know what role their mobile wireless service providers and home internet providers may play in COVID-19 tracking and that they appropriately safeguard privacy while not in any way impeding appropriate public health measures.”
For more information, please contact”
John Lawford
Executive Director/General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
285 McLeod Street – Suite 200
Ottawa, ON K2P 1A1
613-562-4002 x 25
Fax 562-0007
Cell: 613-447-8125
— 30 —