Legal information related to PIPEDA

Interpretations Bulletins

One of the Commissioner’s primary roles is to investigate and try to resolve privacy complaints against organizations. While findings will depend on the facts of each case and will be informed by jurisprudence which is issued over time. Over time, findings on certain key issues crystallize into general principles that can serve as helpful guidance for organizations.

In an effort to summarize the general principles that have emerged from court decisions and the Commissioner’s findings to date, the OPC issues Interpretation Bulletins of certain key concepts in PIPEDA. These Interpretation Bulletins are not binding legal interpretations, but rather, are intended as a guide for compliance with PIPEDA. As the Commissioner issues more findings, and the courts render more decisions, these Interpretation Bulletins may evolve and be further refined over time.

Here are the Interpretation Bulletins issued to date:

• “Access to Personal Information” (May 2013)
• “Accountability” (April 2012)
• “Accuracy” (May 2013)
• “Commercial Activity” (May 2012)
• “Form of Consent” (March 2014)
• "Openness" (August 2015)
• “Personal Information” (updated in October 2013)
• “Publicly Available Information” (March 2014)
• “Safeguards” (June 2015)