Settled Case summary: Disclosure of personal information to estranged spouse - July 29, 2005

An individual complained that a bank employee improperly disclosed her bank account balance to her estranged husband. The husband subsequently withheld a support payment, causing financial difficulty for the complainant. The bank apologized and acknowledged that its employee likely contravened Principle 4.3 of PIPEDA by disclosing personal information without consent. Although the employee denied the specific recollection, the bank found no evidence to suggest the allegations were false. The bank and the complainant reached a private settlement regarding compensation. The OPC concluded that there was no systemic problem, as the bank had adequate privacy policies and training in place.