Government Addressing Confidentiality Breach
 

The Provincial Government is taking measures to address the inappropriate access of confidential information by a government employee.

In late October, Motor Registration Division became aware that a government employee may have inappropriately accessed personal information. The information pertained to drivers’ licence and vehicle registration information held by Motor Registration Division. Through the course of an investigation, it has been determined that the employee who normally has access to such records, accessed files of individuals without a justifiable work purpose. That investigation is continuing.

“The Provincial Government takes the handling of drivers’ and vehicle owners’ personal information extremely seriously,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL. “An immediate investigation into the matter was undertaken and we are now in the process of notifying the individuals whose information was accessed.”

The people affected are being contacted by phone and letter with an explanation of what has occurred and the corrective actions being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The department has contacted the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner regarding this matter, and affected individuals are being advised that they have the option to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner.

Minister Davis noted that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office was engaged by officials as soon as they became aware of the situation, and the department is undertaking a comprehensive investigation to determine the extent of the inappropriate access to private information.

“The misuse of private information is unacceptable and we regret that this has occurred,” said Minister Davis. “We are completing a thorough review of our business practices in this area and necessary changes are being made to help to prevent other such incidents from happening in the future.”

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

2011 12 15                            4:40 p.m.