Federal (Canada)Privacy ActNot well-founded

Driver’s licence suitable ID for postal box rental

Organization: Canada PostComplainant: Anonymous applicant
Plain-language brief

An individual complained that Canada Post required his driver's licence number to terminate his postal box rental. Canada Post stated it requires personal identification to prevent fraudulent use or closure of postal boxes and has used recorded ID to investigate illegal shipments. The OPC's investigation found that Canada Post has a statutory obligation to provide a secure postal service. The collection and use of personal information, including driver's licence numbers, was deemed consistent with this mandate. The OPC concluded that the collection of identification numbers was reasonable. The complaint was dismissed as not well-founded.

Key issues
  1. 1Whether requiring a driver's licence number to terminate a postal box rental is a reasonable collection of personal information under PIPEDA
  2. 2Whether Canada Post's collection and use of personal information for security purposes is consistent with its statutory obligations
Outcome breakdownFavours: Institution
  • Collection of personal information: Collection of driver's licence numbers deemed reasonable
  • Complaint status: Complaint dismissed as not well-founded
Outcome

Complaint not well-founded

Reasoning

The OPC found that Canada Post's collection of driver's licence numbers was reasonable given its statutory obligation to provide a secure postal service and to prevent fraudulent activities.

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