Privacy commissioner learned of RCMP spyware use from media, calls for stronger laws

OTTAWA — Canada’s privacy commissioner says his office learned about the RCMP’s use of spyware through the media, and he wants Parliament to strengthen and modernize privacy laws.

Philippe Dufresne is appearing before a House of Commons committee that is investigating the use of technology that can be covertly and remotely installed on devices like computers and cellphones to monitor messages and even turn on cameras and microphones.

He says the country’s laws should be changed to include “privacy by design” and create a section in the Privacy Act that requires organizations and departments to do a privacy impact assessment when new technology is introduced that could affect the public’s right to privacy.

Dufresne says his office has asked the RCMP for more details, which are expected later this month, and that the force says it did a privacy assessment in 2021 but did not notify his office.