Saturday, July 19, 2025
ADVT 
National

Privacy Commissioner Not Yet Satisfied With Bell's About-face On Ad Tracking

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Apr, 2015 02:04 PM
    The Office of the Privacy Commissioner says it is not yet satisfied with Bell's commitment to seek customer consent before tracking cellphone use to deliver targeted online advertising.
     
    The federal agency met Wednesday with the telecom giant, a day after the company said it would accept the commissioner's recommendation to get explicit consent or opt-in before using private viewing patterns and sensitive personal information to create profiles that are sold to advertisers.
     
    Bell Canada (TSX:BCE) never issued a news release but Bell said in an email that it would "abide by the privacy commission's decision, including the opt-in approach."
     
    Privacy commissioner spokeswoman Tobi Cohen said talks are continuing, but the commissioner is keeping open the option of pursuing the matter in Federal Court "if a solution cannot be reached to our satisfaction."
     
    "Suffice it to say that it would be premature to say that we have arrived at a solution on the issue of opt-in," she said.
     
    Despite the commissioner's efforts, the issue of Bell Canada tracking cellphone use remains unresolved until the CRTC rules on complaints filed by consumer groups.
     
    Calling the practice an abuse of privacy, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre has filed a complaint with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, arguing Bell has gone beyond its role as a provider of telecom services.
     
    Executive director John Lawford said telecom legislation prohibits Bell from using confidential information to support a new business that secures revenues from selling to advertisers the interest profiles of its customers.
     
    "I doubt the genuineness of (Bell's) climb-down too," he said after Bell signalled it would accept the commissioner's recommendation. "I'm happy that they are, but it's not the end of the story."
     
    Privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien had urged Bell to review its approach after releasing the results of an investigation prompted by an "unprecedented" 170 privacy complaints.
     
    It determined Bell shouldn't assume that customers are consenting to have vast amounts of their personal information tracked simply because they haven't explicity objected.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Trailer Park Boys, Screen Industry Appeal To Save Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit

    Trailer Park Boys, Screen Industry Appeal To Save Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit
    HALIFAX — A comedic trio's attempt to raise awareness about the importance of a film tax credit in Nova Scotia has caught the attention of celebrities like Snoop Dogg and helped fuel an industry movement to save it.

    Trailer Park Boys, Screen Industry Appeal To Save Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit

    Oil Slump Dampens Companies' Expectations For Sales, Investment, Hiring: BoC

    Oil Slump Dampens Companies' Expectations For Sales, Investment, Hiring: BoC
    OTTAWA — The sting of lower oil prices has reduced the confidence of companies when it comes to future sales growth, investment and hiring, the Bank of Canada says in its latest business outlook.

    Oil Slump Dampens Companies' Expectations For Sales, Investment, Hiring: BoC

    Inquest Begins Into Killing Of Six-year-old Boy On Saskatchewan Reserve

    Inquest Begins Into Killing Of Six-year-old Boy On Saskatchewan Reserve
    REGINA — An inquest is to begin today into the killing of a six-year-old boy by an older child on a reserve in southern Saskatchewan.

    Inquest Begins Into Killing Of Six-year-old Boy On Saskatchewan Reserve

    CSIS Sets Up International Secret-swapping Forum On 'Terrorist Travel'

    CSIS Sets Up International Secret-swapping Forum On 'Terrorist Travel'
    OTTAWA — The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has set up a "multilateral forum of trusted partners" to share information on suspected extremists travelling abroad — a group that extends beyond its customary Five Eyes spy network, a newly released memo says.

    CSIS Sets Up International Secret-swapping Forum On 'Terrorist Travel'

    Goldcorp To Sell 40% Stake In South Arturo Joint Venture To Premier Gold

    Goldcorp To Sell 40% Stake In South Arturo Joint Venture To Premier Gold
    VANCOUVER — Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G) has a preliminary agreement to sell its 40 per cent interest in a Nevada project to Premier Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX:PG).

    Goldcorp To Sell 40% Stake In South Arturo Joint Venture To Premier Gold

    Mike Duffy The One On Trial, But Top Tory Figures Will Land In Defence's Sights

    Mike Duffy The One On Trial, But Top Tory Figures Will Land In Defence's Sights
    OTTAWA — Suspended senator Mike Duffy may be the one on trial, but he won't be only person to see their motives, character and actions dissected, examined and critiqued over the next several weeks inside an Ottawa courtroom.

    Mike Duffy The One On Trial, But Top Tory Figures Will Land In Defence's Sights