10 Aug Canada TransLink Shares Riders’ Data to Authorities, Sparks Privacy Concerns
Vancouver — Last Wednesday, Vancouver transit company TransLink admitted to voluntarily sharing riders’ information following police requests.
TransLink shared travelers’ Compass Card data 111 times in 2016, and 82 times this year, enabling authorities to track citizen’s contact details and trip logs.
The B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) reacted to the issue, questioning the validity of police access. Authorities did not obtain court warrants for commuters’ data, which is not required by the law.
However, BCCLA policy director Micheal Vonn said it urges legislators to revisit the legitimacy of the law, since it contradicts citizens’ fundamental right to privacy.
TransLink responded, claiming they take the safety and privacy of their customers seriously, in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. They explained that authorities only request information pertinent to emergency situations that may threaten citizens’ safety.
Source: Metro News
