Have you ever thought about how often you are asked for personal information? Whether it is for filling out a survey, entering a contest or returning an item, it seems like we are always asked for our names, phone numbers and email addresses. As a consumer, you have the right to ask retailers about the type of information they are requesting of you, and what they intend to do with it.
In British Columbia, the organization responsible for overseeing our privacy rights is the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. The laws overseeing consumer privacy law is called the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). The PIPA requires businesses to protect any personal information they receive from consumers and keep it secure. It also allows consumers to request access to personal information, update incorrect information, and be told who within the business is responsible for protecting your personal information.
The next time you are asked to provide some personal information about yourself, ask why. That way you are making an informed decision about whether or not you actually want to share it.
If you have any questions or would like to suggest a blog topic, feel free to leave us a comment!
ADDITIONAL READING:
Tips to prevent identity theft
Hmm… do I really have to provide my social insurance number?
It’s Fraud Prevention Month – do you take smartphone privacy seriously?