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April 5th, 2018

NDP Reaction to Latest Numbers in Facebook Data Breach

The following statement was issued by NDP Ethics Critic, Charlie Angus, NDP Public Safety Critic, Matthew Dubé, and NDP Innovation Critic, Brian Masse:

Facebook disclosed on Wednesday that over 600,000 Canadians’ private Facebook user data were accessed without authorization by Cambridge Analytica.

This breach highlights the need for increased scrutiny of digital platform monopolies, which have become critical utilities of the 21st century. We have been taking action to ensure that Canadians’ right to privacy is respected, to call for a digital bill of rights, and to push for fair and transparent global framework for digital services.

An NDP committee motion to launch an immediate inquiry into the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica scandal, as well as the privacy implications of other monopolistic digital platforms like Amazon and Google, was passed unanimously a few weeks ago by the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.

The NDP is also putting forward a motion in the House of Commons calling for a Digital Bill of Rights, including universal and affordable access to the internet, to enhanced privacy rights, ownership of personal data, and other key aspects of digital citizenship.

As this unprecedented breach was reported, the Liberal government announced that it was finally going to move forward on a long-awaited regulation that would require notifying Canadians of any unauthorized access to their data – three years after the passage of the Digital Privacy Act.

This government enjoys its cozy relationship with big business and big tech too much to be counted upon to protect Canadians. The NDP will continue to push for a digital economy that promotes innovative services and media while respecting the need for fair competition, corporate accountability, personal privacy and public oversight.