Privacy Act - Privacy Act
Governs how federal public bodies collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information. Gives individuals the right to access their own records held by the federal government and to request corrections.
Who it applies to
Federal government institutions and their employees handling personal information about individuals.
Common issues and topics
Regulations made under this Act
Last checked Jun 1, 2026 · List last updated Apr 13, 2026Sets out prescribed forms, fee schedules, and procedures for access requests and corrections under the Privacy Act.
Extends Privacy Act coverage to additional government bodies not listed in the original Schedule.
Further extends Privacy Act coverage to additional bodies.
Most recent order extending Privacy Act coverage to additional government institutions.
Designates specified National Defence personal information banks as exempt from the individual access right on national security grounds.
Designates specified RCMP personal information banks as exempt from individual access on law enforcement and national security grounds.
Designates specified CSIS personal information banks as exempt from individual access on national security grounds.
Designates additional RCMP personal information banks as exempt from individual access on law enforcement grounds.
Assigns ministerial responsibility for specific administrative sections of the Privacy Act to the Minister of Justice and the President of the Treasury Board.
Designates the heads of government institutions responsible for administering the Privacy Act within their respective organizations.