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The author of this blog, David T.S. Fraser, is a Canadian privacy lawyer who practices with the firm of McInnes Cooper. He is the author of the Physicians' Privacy Manual. He has a national and international practice advising corporations and individuals on matters related to Canadian privacy laws.

For full contact information and a brief bio, please see David's profile.

Please note that I am only able to provide legal advice to clients. I am not able to provide free legal advice. Any unsolicited information sent to David Fraser cannot be considered to be solicitor-client privileged.

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The views expressed herein are solely the author's and should not be attributed to his employer or clients. Any postings on legal issues are provided as a public service, and do not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein or linked to. Nothing herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

This web site is presented for informational purposes only. These materials do not constitute legal advice and do not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and David T.S. Fraser. If you are seeking specific advice related to Canadian privacy law or PIPEDA, contact the author, David T.S. Fraser.

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Oops ... Families private files left on a tram

Another serious privacy breach caused by employee negligence, this time from Australia:

Families private files left on a tram. 16/06/2004. ABC News Online:

"Families private files left on a tram

The Federal Government has apologised to 15 families whose private files were left by a Child Support Agency staffer on a tram.

Victorian Labor Senator Gavan Marshall has told Parliament the files contained personal details such as names and addresses and affected families were forced to change their tax file numbers and bank accounts at their own expense.

'Can the minister confirm that this serious breach has been referred to the privacy commissioner and whether the Government will compensate affected families for the costs and distress caused?' he said.

Families Minister Kay Patterson has told Parliament it was an unfortunate mistake, conceding some of the information still has not been located.

She says affected families were contacted and apologised to, but she will not commit to compensation.

'We need to move away from litigation and compensation,' she said.

Senator Marshall also told Parliament one of families was mistakenly sent another family's file more than a year ago, but the Minister would not confirm that."

Labels: information breaches