Home Privacy Codes

When you're at home, sorting through mail, dealing with canvassers and telemarketers, or surfing on the Internet, it helps to know there is a law out there, because often the people you are dealing with on the phone may not. Industry privacy codes may be there to turn to when there is no relevant legislative protection, such as when you are dealing with a charity phoning for donations.

When You're On The Internet

The Internet is still an uncertain environment and the best advice is "let the surfer beware". But your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is now subject to PIPEDA, and is probably also a member of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers (CAIP). CAIP has a model Privacy Code based on the 10 Fair Information Practices. This Code can be used in two ways. First, it serves as a model for Internet Service Providers who want to develop their own privacy code. Secondly, ISP's can agree to follow the CAIP Code in its entirety.

Like all industry codes, members comply voluntarily. Now it is a great foundation for their compliance with PIPEDA, which gives you legally enforceable rights. However, the CAIP code and PIPEDA protection do not apply to the sites you visit on the Internet, just the Internet Service Providers you must first connect to before you surf the Internet. Many individual sites have their own privacy policies, but they are not dictated by law. Foreign sites may be beyond the jurisdiction of Canadian law, and enforcing your privacy rights could cost you a bundle.

Direct Marketers

The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) has a voluntary privacy code that sets out seven principles of privacy protection, based on the 10 Fair Information Practices. The Association can assist you in getting off direct mail and telephone lists. They may be able to assist you in dealing with sites offshore as well, if the owners of those sites are members of sister organizations such as the Direct Marketing Association in the United States.

Insurance Issues

Insurance is usually either life and health insurance or property and casualty insurance.

The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association represents life and health insurance companies. Its members are now governed by PIPEDA, or relevant provincial legislation.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada represents property and casualty insurers. These companies are also now subject to PIPEDA, check out their model privacy code aimed at the protection of customer privacy. Its Code follows the 10 Fair Information Practices.