Letter of finding regarding the video surveillance issue
The federal Privacy Commissioner investigated a complaint regarding a security company's installation of street surveillance cameras. The Commissioner found that live video feeds of individuals constituted personal information under PIPEDA and that collecting this information for commercial purposes without consent was unlawful. The company was informed that its intended public video surveillance for commercial purposes is not compliant with privacy laws.
- Definition of personal information under PIPEDA (specifically regarding live video feeds)
- Application of PIPEDA to commercial activities
- Consent requirements for collecting personal information
- Lawfulness of private sector surveillance in public spaces
Complaint well-founded — corrective action required
The Commissioner determined that live video feeds of individuals qualified as personal information under PIPEDA and that the company's commercial surveillance activity lacked the required informed consent.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The company was informed that its intended public video surveillance for commercial purposes is unlawful and cannot be pursued.
- Section 2 PIPEDA
- Section 4 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.3 PIPEDA
- Section 5(1) PIPEDA
This summary is informational only and not legal advice.