Data privacy is everyone’s business
Canadians enjoy the convenience and pace of a digital lifestyle. They also expect organizations to be accountable for what happens with their personal data.
This page provides resources to help Canadians understand how we can work together to make online interactions more secure and keep personal data safe. Because consumers, businesses and governments all have a role to play in data privacy.
How do Canadians feel about their data privacy?
Canadians are concerned about the protection of their data and privacy online: According to a recent Interac survey, nearly half of all Canadians (45 per cent) are concerned about security whenever they use online banking credentials or provide personal information to access digital services. Below, see more insights into how Canadian respondents feel about sharing their personal data.
38%
worry about personal data security when using online banking tools
66%
have used online banking credentials or personal info to access digital services
45%
worry about security when accessing digital services with online banking credentials or personal info
49%
believe they are asked too often to provide personal details when accessing digital tools
Read more about our survey results
Ideas
Why companies and consumers are ‘putting privacy first’
In conversation: Former Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and Interac on the importance of prioritizing data privacy.
Read the article
Dive into our dictionary of common terms to help you decode and discuss the world of data privacy
Everyone wants to keep their personal data safe, but the world of data privacy is complex and can be confusing. Understanding commonly used terms can give you a better understanding of how to protect your personal information.
Here are some terms to help you understand the wide world of data privacy.
Consent Management
The process by which a business/website obtains consent from users to the collection, use, disclosure and processing of personal information.
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Data Encryption
Taking readable data and changing it so it appears to be written with random text in order to prevent it from being viewed or altered. Encrypted data can only be decrypted by people with access to a special key (a “decryption key”).
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Data privacy
The idea that an individual should have control of their personal data and how it is collected or shared.
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Verification
A process in which a system or service needs to confirm that the user is an actual person that exists and that the user is who they say they are. This is usually done with physical identification documents such as ID cards, passports, or bank information.
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Authentication
A process in which a system, service, or website determines that the rightful account holder is the one accessing it. Digital authentication can come in many forms and combinations including passwords, biometric data, and more.
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Delve into the dictionary
For Consumers
Want to know more about protecting your data?
See what Interac verification solutions can do for you.
Learn more
For Business
Simplify the onboarding experience — while safeguarding customers’ data
User-friendly verification that helps protects against fraud.
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Ideas
Data, trust and open banking
Open banking is coming. And its success will depend on consumers trusting the system — enough to grant consent for their data to be shared.
Learn more