A recent Ipsos poll, commissioned by a B.C. privacy advocacy organization, reveals that approximately 80% of Albertans support extending privacy laws that regulate businesses to also cover political parties. This sentiment aligns with Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod’s plea for increased oversight of political parties, prompted by a significant voter data breach in April.
Following the unauthorized disclosure of personal information of nearly three million Alberta electors to a separatist group called the Centurion Project, McLeod labeled it as the most severe breach of voter data in Canadian history. The Centurion Project justified its actions by stating it acquired the data from a third party to facilitate volunteer recruitment and supporter identification for an anticipated independence referendum.
McLeod, receiving numerous concerns from residents regarding the exposed personal information, expressed frustration over her inability to investigate the Republican Party of Alberta due to legal constraints. She emphasized the urgent need to amend privacy laws to encompass political entities and urged the provincial government to act swiftly in response to the poll findings.
The Ipsos survey, conducted online in late May, demonstrates that an overwhelming 84% of Albertans advocate for expanding McLeod’s authority to include monitoring political parties. Additionally, the poll indicates that a majority of respondents believe political parties should bear legal responsibilities to safeguard voter information from misuse, inform regulators and affected individuals of any breaches, and face consequences for mishandling data.
McLeod and her predecessors have long advocated for the inclusion of political parties under Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). She views the ongoing review of PIPA by the provincial government as a crucial opportunity to effect essential changes. Furthermore, McLeod proposes the development of electoral sector-specific privacy laws to ensure consistent regulation of candidate data usage across federal and provincial levels.
Notably, the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, which initiated the poll, emphasized the necessity of subjecting federal political parties to privacy laws, citing the Alberta voter data breach as a long-forewarned worst-case scenario. While most political parties downplay the risks associated with voter data misuse, experts caution against underestimating the potential consequences of inadequate data protection measures.
As investigations into the breach continue, public pressure mounts for the Alberta government to address the breach comprehensively, including conducting a public inquiry, enacting privacy legislation for political parties, and revisiting election laws to enhance data security. Despite assurances from major parties about stringent data protection measures, concerns persist regarding the vulnerability of voter information and the need for immediate legislative reforms.
While the premier and justice minister await investigation outcomes before considering legal amendments, McLeod stresses the urgency of action, emphasizing that existing gaps in privacy laws must be rectified promptly to safeguard voter data and restore public trust.