CPPA

CPPA stands for Consumer Privacy Protection Act, a proposed federal privacy statute in Canada introduced as part of the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2020. The bill is designed to modernize Canada's privacy framework by updating the rules governing how organizations collect, use, disclose, and store personal information, with the aim of giving individuals stronger privacy rights and increasing accountability for organizations. If enacted, CPPA would replace or augment the private-sector privacy protections currently under PIPEDA for certain activities, bringing Canada closer to contemporary international standards.

Key provisions envisioned include enhanced consent requirements, clearer purposes for data collection, and stronger requirements for transparency and governance. The act would address data minimization and retention, cross-border data transfers, and the use of automated decision-making and profiling. It would establish a more robust enforcement regime under the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, with the authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, issue compliance orders, and sanction non-compliant organizations. The CPPA also contemplates remedies for individuals, including possible civil actions and damages, and introduces penalties for violations.

Status and reception: CPPA has been introduced and debated in Parliament as part of the Digital Charter Implementation Act package. As of the last update, it had not yet become law, with ongoing consultations and amendments. Proponents argue it would strengthen privacy protections in Canada; critics caution about compliance burdens on organizations and potential impacts on innovation.