Archives and Privacy in a Wired World: The Impact of the Personal Information Act (Bill C-6) on Archives
Abstract
In this electronic age of Internet and e-mail, transnational databases, and electronic-commerce, there is a growing fear that personal information is sold to the highest bidder and privacy is steadily being eroded. The Canadian government has listened and responded, both to its citizens and the international community that has demanded tighter rules. The Personal Information Act of 2000 (Bill C-6) sets out the conditions by which private companies and individuals must conform to safeguard personal information. But privacy advocates have argued that stronger measures are needed.
This article examines the impact of the Personal Information Act on archives. In the interest of protecting privacy and personal information, privacy legislation and advocates seem willing to sacrifice aspects of our culture and history. Archivists must ensure that this is not the case and find a balance between privacy infringement and the need for all Canadians to know themselves, their heritage, and their collective history.
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