Canada Post illegally collects and rents out personal information

The Commissioner found that Canada Post had not received authorization from Canadians to collect such personal information indirectly. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

OTTAWA – The privacy commissioner says Canada Post is breaking the law by collecting information from envelopes and packages to create mailing lists that it rents to companies.

Philippe Dufresne’s office says the information collected for this “marketing list” program includes data about where people live and the type of online purchases they make, based on who the packages are sent to.

However, the Commissioner found that Canada Post had not received authorization from Canadians to collect such personal data indirectly.

In an investigative report from his office at Canada Post, Philippe Dufresne claims this practice is a violation of Section 5 of the Personal Information Protection Act.

The Commissioner recommended that Canada Post stop using and disclosing personal information in this way until the Crown corporation can seek and obtain consent from Canadians.

However, Philippe Dufresne confirms that Canada Post has refused to take this corrective action and urges them to reconsider their decision.

Tyrone Hodgson

Incurable food practitioner. Tv lover. Award-winning social media maven. Internet guru. Travel aficionado.

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