Privacy
Changes in the accumulation, storage and use of personal data – whether by government, employers, financial institutions or health care providers – have given rise to new and more serious privacy concerns. Recent changes to privacy laws, varying standards internationally and one reported crisis after another have forced business, government and the public to seek guidance on managing the precarious balance between safeguarding personal privacy and third-party interests in acquiring and using personal information.
Bennett Jones has performed groundbreaking work with governments, employers, institutions and public and private information-gatherers, advising on the far-reaching legal implications of privacy protection and data dissemination. Offering both compliance and enforcement advice, we have developed internal compliance procedures and policies for clients ranging from health regions to ISPs, trained privacy officers on their rights and obligations under the law, and provided opinions and direction on specific incidents involving employees, customers, patients, Internet surfers and data miners whose activities involve the handling of sensitive information. We are highly familiar with the privacy aspects of corporate transactions, where we have counseled purchasers on the privacy standards governing employee records, customer files and transaction lists. We possess a wide body of experience in privacy issues applicable to employee recruitment and the ongoing management of employment relationships.
A recent evolution in our practice is in the realm of computer-related privacy. With the advent of hacking, credit card and ATM fraud, Internet-based file sharing disputes, and acknowledged institutional surveillance of Internet and email usage, we are increasingly involved in the protection and enforcement of electronic-based privacy rights both domestically and internationally.