What is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)?

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is a federal law that governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in Canada. The law applies to all private sector organizations that collect, use or disclose personal information in the course of their business activities. In California, PIPEDA applies to all organizations engaging in commercial activity, including those that collect, use or disclose personal information in the course of providing goods, services, or employment opportunities. PIPEDA sets out 10 fair information principles that organizations must follow when collecting, using, and disclosing personal information. These principles specify how organizations should handle personal information, including when it can be collected, how it should be used, and how it should be disclosed and stored. Organizations must also specify how individuals can access their personal information and exercise their right to correct any inaccuracies. PIPEDA also applies to organizations that collect, use and disclose personal information about individuals in foreign nations, but only if those individuals have a real and substantial connection to Canada. This connection can include having a Canadian physical address, having an account with a Canadian bank, or having a Canadian phone number. In addition, PIPEDA applies to organizations that collect, use and disclose personal information about Canadian citizens who are temporarily located outside of Canada.

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