"Give me RealPrivacy NOT Privacy Theatre," says Commissioner Cavoukian: January 27 Symposium brings together thought leaders for International Privacy Day

TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, is holding a public Symposium, Beware of "Surveillance by Design:" Standing Up for Freedom and Privacy, to raise awareness of the serious privacy implications of online surveillance and proposed federal "lawful access" legislation.

If passed in their original form, this legislation would provide police with much greater ability to access and track information about identifiable individuals via the communications technologies that we use every day, such as the Internet, smart phones, and other mobile devices, at times, without a warrant or any judicial authorization.

"This represents a looming system of "Surveillance by Design," that should concern us all in a free and democratic society, which is why I have organized a public Symposium — to increase awareness, in an effort to improve the legislation before it is re-introduced," said Commissioner Cavoukian.

"By proactively embedding the principles of Privacy by Design (PbD) into the development of new technologies, PbD can accommodate legitimate business interests in a "positive sum," win-win manner. We must get rid of the mindset that privacy must be sacrificed for the sake of other interests — it does not."

"We can, and must, have both privacy and security. Give me RealPrivacy NOT privacy theatre."

SYMPOSIUM DETAILS

Date & Time:	Friday, January 27, from 9:00am to 11:00am ET
Location:	MaRS Discovery District, MaRS Centre South tower, Suite 100 (Auditorium - Lower Level), 101 College Street, Toronto, ON

Members of the public wishing to attend the event can register here.

"Bringing together this highly respected panel of thought leaders to share their perspectives on this legislation and "Surveillance by Design" is an ideal way to commemorate International Privacy Day, marking 31 years since the first binding international convention of privacy came into force," said Commissioner Cavoukian.

Symposium Presenters include:

• Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ontario, Canada, Keynote Address - "Beware of Surveillance by Design: Stand Up for Freedom and Privacy;"
• Alan Borovoy, General Counsel, Emeritus, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Special Welcome and Introductory Comments;
• Professor John Villasenor, The Brookings Institution and UCLA, Presentation - "The Impact of Surveillance on Dissent, Freedom, and Social Change;"
• Dr. Ron Deibert, Professor, Political Science, University of Toronto, Presentation - "The Impact of Surveillance on the International Stage: Will Canada "Lower the Bar" Globally?"
• John Ibbitson, Ottawa Bureau Chief, Globe and Mail, Presentation - "The Impact of Surveillance on the Average Canadian;"
• Nathalie Des Rosiers, General Counsel, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Presentation - "The Impact of Surveillance on Diversity, Social Creativity, and Policing;"
• David Fraser, Partner, McInnes Cooper Privacy Practice Group, Presentation - "The Impact of Surveillance on Businesses in the Information Age."

MEDIA ATTENDING THE EVENT
All media planning to attend, please register with the contact below. On the day of the Symposium, check in at the media desk at the venue. At the end of the event, there will be an opportunity to interview the speakers.

LIVE WEBCAST OF THE SYMPOSIUM
For those wishing to attend virtually, this event will be webcast live and fully archived. Click here to register for the webcast.

www.RealPrivacy.ca
Visit our recently-launched website for more event details, as well as information regarding our concerns about "lawful access" legislation and positive solutions to address them. You will also find our Write My MP tool, where citizens can easily write their Member of Parliament and urge the government to reconsider the proposed laws.

Media contact: 
Tanya Gallus
Communications Specialist
Direct line: 416-326-3939
Cell: 416-873-9746
Toll-free: 800-387-0073
[email protected]