PIPEDA Report of Findings #2017-002: Canadian adware developer Wajam Internet Technologies Inc. breaches multiple provisions of PIPEDA
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada investigated Wajam Internet Technologies Inc. after receiving complaints about its software, which tracked online search queries and displayed ads. The investigation found that Wajam breached multiple provisions of PIPEDA, including failing to obtain meaningful consent, inadequately safeguarding personal information, and having insufficient accountability policies. Although Wajam ceased operations and sold its assets, the OPC concluded the matters examined were well-founded.
- Meaningful consent for software installation and data collection.
- Adequate safeguarding of personal information during transmission and storage.
- Effectiveness of uninstallation processes and withdrawal of consent.
- Lack of a privacy accountability framework and policies.
Complaint well-founded
The OPC found that Wajam failed to obtain meaningful consent, did not adequately safeguard personal information, and lacked appropriate privacy policies and procedures, constituting contraventions of PIPEDA.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The OPC recommended that Wajam establish a privacy accountability framework, improve transparency, cease using bundling for distribution without consent, and implement proper safeguards for data.
- Principle 4.1.4 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.2 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.3 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.3.2 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.3.5 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.3.8 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.5 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.5.2 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.7.1 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.7.2 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.7.3 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.8 PIPEDA
- s. 6.1 PIPEDA
This summary is informational only and not legal advice.