VICTORIA — British Columbia's privacy watchdog is probing an embattled mayor's allegation that spyware is monitoring his office computer and others in the District of Saanich.
Elizabeth Denham says she has decided to act on her own initiative and investigate whether the software installed on Saanich computers complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The decision follows a Jan. 12 news conference where Mayor Richard Atwell alleged his computer was bugged and police had stopped him four times on groundless suspicions, while he also admitting lying when he denied having an extra-marital affair.
Saanich council responded, saying the software was installed on computers last November with the intention to protect against external threats and monitor internal activity.
Denham says her office needs the facts about the software, including how it captures data and the extent to which personal information is being collected from employees.
She says her office has the power to compel the disclosure of documents, interview officials, make legal findings and issue compliance orders and she expects to finish her probe by the end of March.
