The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, Q.C. has released an Audit Report on The Use of Video Surveillance in Schools and on School Buses under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015.

The purpose of this Report is to examine the collection, use and disclosure of personal information through video surveillance, as well as the reasonableness of safeguards in place to protect that information, in the context of a public body’s obligations under the ATIPPA, 2015. The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) was the focus of the audit, as it is the largest school district on the province. The Report outlines legislative requirements, presents findings from the audit and discusses key observations and recommendations.

The OIPC encourages every public body to review the standards discussed in this Report, to conduct internal reviews to determine its own level of compliance and to contact the OIPC if our assistance is needed.

To view the Report in its entirety, go to the Audit and Compliance Program page, at www.oipc.nl.ca/publicbody/audit.

Quote
“Privacy is a right that is recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada and is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This generation of children is growing up under ever-increasing surveillance in many forms, including video surveillance, the long-term effects of which are unknown. Courts have determined that some degree of video surveillance is warranted in certain contexts, but it is certainly not a free-for-all, and must be justified in accordance with the law. My hope is that this audit will assist the NLESD in assessing the extent of its video surveillance practices and help it ensure that this tool is used appropriately.”

Donovan Molloy, Q.C.
Information and Privacy Commissioner

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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309