← Back to catalogue/Federal (Canada)Settled Case summary #25
Federal (Canada)Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents ActSettled

Settled case summary #25 — A restaurant

Organization: A restaurantComplainant: Anonymous applicant
Plain-language brief

An individual complained that a restaurant's credit card receipts displayed her name, full credit card number, and expiry date, arguing this information should be masked. The restaurant used electronic processing equipment that did not mask this information. The OPC found that the personal information was collected, used, and stored in a manner consistent with PIPEDA principles, and there was no unauthorized disclosure. However, the OPC noted that technology for masking credit card information on receipts exists and that industry representatives indicated all equipment would mask this information by 2007. The complainant was satisfied with this information and the restaurant owner's awareness of privacy legislation. The matter was settled during the investigation.

Key issues
  1. 1Whether the display of full credit card details on receipts constituted a contravention of PIPEDA
  2. 2Whether the collection, use, and storage of personal information on credit card receipts was consistent with PIPEDA principles
  3. 3Whether there was unauthorized disclosure of personal information
Outcome breakdownFavours: Both, in part
  • Collection, use, storage: Consistent with PIPEDA
  • Unauthorized disclosure: No unauthorized disclosure
  • Masking technology: Technology exists and will be implemented
  • Complaint resolution: Settled during investigation
Outcome

Complaint settled

Reasoning

The OPC found no contravention of PIPEDA principles regarding the collection, use, and storage of information, nor any unauthorized disclosure. The complainant was satisfied with the information provided about upcoming industry changes to mask credit card details.

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