Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

A Canadian returning to Canada complained that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) contravened the Privacy Act by requiring him to provide his cell phone passcode for inspection. The OPC found that while the CBSA has the authority under the Customs Act to require passcodes, it must follow its own policies and only retain personal information when necessary. The CBSA acknowledged policy failures and committed to improved training and policy revisions.

• CBSA's authority to require digital device passcodes under the Customs Act
• Whether the collection of the passcode was necessary
• CBSA's adherence to its internal policies regarding personal information collection and retention
• The sensitivity of digital device passcodes as personal information