MISSISSAUGA – Microsoft Canada is collaborating with Bell Security Solutions and the University of Toronto’s Centre for Innovation Law and Policy to develop the Privacy Network.
Located on the web at www.theprivacynetwork.org, the Privacy Network is a self-service portal where users can search for privacy information, and collaborate in permission-based online discussion forums moderated by subject-matter experts from around the world.
It will be managed by the University of Toronto’s Centre for Innovation Law and Policy with support from Microsoft Canada and Bell Security Solutions Inc. (a division of Bell Canada).
Information privacy is an area of law that is constantly changing and is often complicated. To understand the dynamics and future of its evolution, professionals need to understand current situations and privacy rules, and especially the developing technologies that both serve and threaten them, issues that ISPs such as telcos and cable operators know well. The Privacy Network will help to serve the privacy community and enterprises with state-of-the-art research implemented to meet client needs.
"We have strong privacy laws in Canada, yet many businesses are still trying to figure out exactly what their legal obligations are. As well, there is some confusion around the distinction between privacy and security," said Richard Owens, executive director of the Centre for Innovation Law and Policy (CILP). "Bringing together policymakers, researchers and practical implementers through the Privacy Network will facilitate sharing, debate and development in these areas. It will help the privacy community to develop new policies and tools to help protect personal information, and educate people about roles and responsibilities around privacy."
Providing an opportunity for information privacy commissioners, privacy researchers and privacy practitioners to come together from around the world, the Privacy Network will be an open online venue that provides an opportunity to share information, discuss policies and develop new tools. Built on Microsoft SharePoint-based portal technologies, it will function as an Internet hub where privacy experts can collaborate through specific group sites.
BSSI will contribute its privacy expertise to help simplify the complexity of privacy issues at both policy and system levels. To help educate consumers and businesses, the portal will have a public site that provides best practices and answers questions on privacy.
