Introduction
Law 25 on the protection of personal information in Quebec will officially come into effect. Adopted in 2021, this law modernizes the legal framework for the protection of personal data, drawing direct inspiration from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Law 25 was introduced to strengthen citizens’ privacy rights and hold companies accountable for the management and security of personal information. It applies to all businesses in Quebec, regardless of their size or industry. The deadline of September 22, 2024, marks the final phase of the implementation of this law, with a particular focus on data portability.
Companies must now prepare for these new legal obligations, which include enabling clients, partners, and other stakeholders to retrieve their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and secure format. Complying with this law is essential not only to respect your clients’ rights but also to protect your business from cyber risks and potential legal sanctions.
Why data portability is important
Data portability is a crucial aspect of privacy protection. It allows users to retrieve their personal information and easily transfer it to another service. This offers greater transparency and improves trust between companies and their clients. In sectors like telecommunications, financial services, or technology, this transparency becomes a key differentiator for businesses in Quebec.
Examples of companies already implementing data portability:
Google: Through its data retrieval service, Google allows users to retrieve and transfer their information between different services, such as Gmail or Google Photos, making it easier to manage personal data.
Facebook: Facebook also allows its users to download all their personal information, which enhances user trust while giving them more control over their own data.
Canadian Banks: Some banks in Canada allow their clients to transfer their banking data to other financial institutions, enhancing flexibility and ease of use for customers.
How to achieve this:
Step 1: Conduct a data inventory
One of the first steps to comply with Law 25 is to perform a complete inventory of the personal information you collect and store. This includes data from your clients, partners, and employees. This step allows you to assess the quantity and sensitivity of the information you need to protect and better understand the measures required to ensure data security.
Step 2: Evaluate your technological systems
Do your current systems allow for the transfer of personal information in an easy-to-use format? If not, it’s time to upgrade your tools to enable data portability in compliance with Law 25. This could include simple solutions like data files that your clients can use with other services.
Step 3: Establish processes for data portability requests
Create clear and accessible processes to enable your clients and partners to request the retrieval of their personal information. This could include a secure online form or a simple procedure to follow. Ensure that each request is handled quickly and efficiently to guarantee personal information protection that meets expectations.
Step 4: Secure data transmission
Ensure that personal information is transmitted securely to avoid any risk of interception or unauthorized use. This prevents risks related to data breaches or cyberattacks. This could include using secure transfer methods to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised.
Step 5: Train your team
It is crucial to train your employees on how to properly manage personal information. Train your employees on best practices for data security and personal information management. They must understand the procedures to follow to comply with the law’s requirements and ensure data security at every stage. They should know who will handle the requests internally.
Bonus: Data portability as a resilience and business continuity asset
By making your data more easily transferable, you allow your company to become more resilient in the face of changes. For example, if you need to switch suppliers or technological infrastructure, data portability allows for a smooth transfer of information to a new system. This helps you avoid excessive dependence on a single supplier, a situation known as vendor lock-in, which can make migration to other solutions costly and difficult.
Moreover, portability facilitates business continuity in times of crisis, allowing you to maintain your operations without interruption (example: Crowdstrike). By making your data more flexible, you improve your company’s ability to adapt to different environments without compromising security or losing efficiency.
Conclusion: Get ready now
September 22, 2024, is fast approaching. Preparing for this deadline and complying with the law on the protection of personal information is not just a legal obligation; it is also an effective way to strengthen your company’s security and protect your business relationships. By adapting now, you ensure the continuity of your operations while protecting your sensitive data.
Need Help?
Contact us for a free, personalized consultation. Our experts will guide you through every step to ensure your company’s compliance before the September 22, 2024, deadline: https://datanextstep.com/fr/priserdv
Reference:
https://www.espaceobnl.ca/fr/contenus/l-essentiel-de-la-loi-25-comprendre-et-agir-en-obnl
https://www.espaceobnl.ca/fr/contenus/l-essentiel-de-la-loi-25-comprendre-et-agir-en-obnl
https://cai.gouv.qc.ca/uploads/pdfs/CAI_FIC_Pieces_ID_Entreprises.pdf?gt=l%E2%80%99entreprise