How Should Canada Certify Cross-Border Data Privacy?

Official title: Consultation on the implementation of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum certifications in Canada

Closed Policy & Studies Economy & Jobs Technology & Digital
When Canadian businesses share your personal data with companies in other countries, how do we make sure it stays protected? Canada joined an international forum that created privacy certifications for cross-border data transfers. Now the government wants to know how to implement these certifications here.

Why This Matters

Shop online from a foreign retailer? Use an app that stores data abroad? Your personal information crosses borders constantly. These certifications could give you more confidence that your data is protected, no matter where it ends up. For businesses, it could mean less red tape when expanding internationally.

What Could Change

Canada could adopt one or both international privacy certifications. Independent certification bodies would assess whether businesses properly protect personal data in cross-border transfers. This could reduce compliance costs for Canadian companies operating internationally while creating new oversight mechanisms for data protection.

Key Issues

  • Should Canada adopt one or both Global Forum certifications?
  • What type of certification body would best suit Canada's context?
  • What additional measures would make certifications more useful for individuals and businesses?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. The submission period ended on July 31, 2025.

What Happened

The public submission period closed on July 31, 2025. The government has indicated that an update will be published on the consultation web page following the consultation period.