Canada’s Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA), which is part of the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2020, introduced several new requirements and considerations for businesses regarding data privacy and security. While the CPPA itself may not have explicit “cybersecurity requirements” in the traditional sense, it certainly has implications for how businesses must protect personal information, which inherently involves cybersecurity measures. Here are some key points:
Data Protection and Security: The CPPA requires organizations to implement appropriate safeguards to protect personal information. This includes protection against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. This requirement implies a strong need for robust cybersecurity practices.
Accountability and Transparency: Organizations are required to be more transparent about how they handle personal information. They need to have clear policies in place, which likely includes how they protect this data through cybersecurity measures.
Consent and Data Minimization: The CPPA emphasizes the need for clear consent for data collection and limits the amount of personal information that can be collected, used, and disclosed. This impacts how data is managed and secured.
Data Mobility and Deletion: The CPPA gives consumers more control over their data, including the right to request the deletion of their personal information and the right to transfer their data to another organization. These rights necessitate secure data handling processes.
Breach Notification: The CPPA includes provisions for mandatory notification of privacy breaches to both the Privacy Commissioner and affected individuals under certain circumstances. Effective cybersecurity measures can help prevent breaches or mitigate their impact.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: The CPPA introduces significant penalties for non-compliance, making it essential for businesses to ensure they have robust data protection and cybersecurity measures in place.
In conclusion, while the CPPA may not specifically list out cybersecurity requirements, its provisions for data protection, accountability, and breach notification implicitly demand strong cybersecurity practices. Businesses will need to evaluate and potentially enhance their cybersecurity strategies to comply with the CPPA.