In her new blog, Commissioner Kosseim explores the recent IPC investigation report on the PowerSchool cyberattack, the gaps in regulating education technology, and why children’s digital rights must be front and centre when schools adopt new tools. Read the blog here: https://ow.ly/wvTh50XyJ5j

Our new interpretation bulletin breaks down when institutions can use their discretion to withhold a requester’s own information under FIPPA and MFIPPA, and what what proper decision-making looks like. Read the bulletin: https://ow.ly/KeSG50XykAf

By assessing how your institution collects, uses and safeguards personal information, a PIA helps you demonstrate accountability and prepare for potential risks before they happen. See how the IPC’s updated PIA guidance can help: https://ow.ly/gJo550Xx45P

Privacy regulators across Canada have issued a new joint resolution calling for stronger protection of children’s privacy in the classroom. Read more here: https://ow.ly/GW2t50XvJOU

Ontario’s access and privacy landscape is evolving and so is the IPC’s guidance. Our updated privacy impact assessment (PIA) guide reflects new obligations under Bill 194, providing institutions with clear, practical advice to comply with FIPPA’s PIA requirements. www.ipc.on.ca/en/resources...

Ontario and Alberta information and privacy commissioners have released the findings of their investigations into a massive privacy breach involving PowerSchool education technology (edtech) used by schools in their respective provinces. Read the report(s) here: www.ipc.on.ca/en/media-cen...

We were pleased to welcome Interns from this year’s Ontario Legislature Internship Programme (OLIP) to the IPC! It’s always a pleasure to connect with emerging professionals and share why access to information and privacy matters for all Ontarians.

Last chance! The IPC’s public consultation on its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan closes tomorrow. Your feedback will help shape how we advance privacy and access rights in Ontario for the next four years. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say. Take the survey now: https://ow.ly/WsT750Xpq8W

Use our PIA guide to support compliance. As of July 1, institutions covered by FIPPA must complete privacy impact assessments (PIAs) before collecting personal information. Access the updated guide and prepare your institution to meet its obligations under Bill 194: https://ow.ly/F30b50XqMuv

Thank you to the @cba-news.bsky.social for hosting this year’s Privacy and Access Law Conference in Ottawa. It’s an honour to take part in this engaging and thought-provoking event bringing together leaders from across the country to discuss emerging issues in privacy and access to information law.

The IPC is at the @cba-news.bsky.social’s Privacy and Access Law Conference in Ottawa today and tomorrow! If you’re attending, stop by our booth to meet the IPC team and pick up helpful resources on privacy and access to information in Ontario.

Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial information regulators have issued a joint resolution calling on governments to adopt measures to support a more robust information ecosystem and help combat misinformation. Read the full news release: ow.ly/qXoF50XnkEO

We are inviting applications for our next scholar to continue this important legacy. Could it be you? Or someone if your faculty or department? Learn more about the program and apply today: https://ow.ly/oSAq50XmI2q

The IPC is joining more than 30 data protection authorities from around the world in the 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) privacy sweep, focusing on the protection of children’s privacy. Learn more here: ow.ly/4Fyf50XlQXF

Happy Halloween! Wishing everyone a fun and safe day, online and off! And of course... go Jays, go! 💙

This #MediaLiteracyWeek, take action to boost your digital smarts, one episode at a time. Whether you’re on the way to school or work, doing chores or are at the gym, check out our Info Matters podcast playlist featuring conversations about privacy, technology, and youth digital literacy:

Today is #DigitalCitizenDay, a reminder that being digitally responsible starts with being digitally aware. Our Commissioner shares simple but powerful tips to help kids (and adults) protect their privacy online: youtu.be/cuBQe4spMuk

It's #MediaLiteracyWeek! Join us the week as we explore accessing, understanding, and engaging with digital media. Get a head start and check out our Privacy Pursuit! lesson plans made in collaboration with MediaSmarts: https://ow.ly/l8Am50XjlHl#MediaLiteracyWeek

This #MediaLiteracyWeek, don’t just scroll, act! Strengthen your digital smarts and help the youth in your life do the same with our Youth Ambassador Toolkit, a free resource that empowers young leaders to champion privacy and responsible online habits in their communities. https://ow.ly/bW1950XiE3r

Yesterday members of our HR team attended Government Industry Night at the @utoronto.ca, connecting with students from arts, science, and engineering programs. We shared insights about the IPC’s work, our summer student program, and the benefits of gaining public sector experience.

Looking for an amazing opportunity? The IPC is seeking a Scholar-in-Residence with knowledge and expertise on the privacy impacts of new and evolving technologies in the areas of health, law enforcement, children and youth, or modern government. Applications close Dec 8. https://ow.ly/xtee50Xh4Y0

The IPC’s updated de-identification guidelines reflect the realities of today’s data environment. They provide practical support for organizations by incorporating lessons from real-world applications, enhanced operational details, step-by-step tools and checklists. https://ow.ly/PPev50XgrWG

Not all breaches are created equal. Under Bill 194, institutions covered by FIPPA must report breaches that meet the real risk of significant harm threshold (RROSH) and notify affected individuals. We’ve got a check list to walk you through it. Print out our RROSH guide: https://ow.ly/hBTX50XfLFE

Your voice matters. We’re asking Ontarians to help shape the IPC’s future priorities. Take five minutes to complete our survey and share your views on how we can best protect your privacy and access rights: https://ow.ly/xkNy50Xf7pi

If you recycle the same password across accounts, one data breach could expose them all. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, take a few minutes to update your logins and strengthen your online security. Small changes make a big difference in keeping your personal information safe.

#DressPurpleDay2025 is about raising awareness of the role we can all play in supporting vulnerable families. Have you explored our FAQs on Part X of the CYFSA? Click ow.ly/Ethg50TPNCe to learn more about privacy and access rights under Part X of the CYFSA.

The IPC has updated and expanded its 2016 award-winning and globally recognized de-identification guidelines to help organizations maximize the value and benefits of data while protecting privacy. Learn more about our new guidelines: ow.ly/v2Fy50XbPub

Ontario’s public institutions, health providers, child and family services providers, and law enforcement agencies play a critical role in protecting access and privacy rights. Our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan will guide how we support these institutions. Share your feedback: https://ow.ly/TaQy50XbHab 

We are closed for the holiday weekend and will reopen on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The IPC wishes everyone a happy holiday!

Federal, provincial, and territorial information and privacy commissioners and ombuds have wrapped up their annual meeting in Banff, Alberta, hosted by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta. Read the news release here: ow.ly/qNIS50X9K94

The IPC is recruiting our next Scholar-in-Residence. This program offers academics and researchers a rare opportunity to work directly with our office to help shape policy and resources in our key strategic priority areas. Learn more: https://ow.ly/RBMr50X8x57

Information and privacy regulators from across Canada have converged in Banff for their annual meeting. They’ll discuss emerging privacy and access developments in our ever-evolving, technology-driven world. Follow us to hear more!

We’re shaping the IPC’s next Strategic Plan (2026-2030), and we want your input! From now until November 14, share your views in our short online survey. ow.ly/ViAv50X735F

We’re proud to announce the renewal of our Strategic Advisory Council: ow.ly/Unh250X5F5a Their broad range of perspectives will help strengthen IPC’s ability to deliver its mandate in a way that’s most relevant to Ontarians and focus resources where we can have the greatest real-world impact.

Created as one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, this day helps ensure the history and lasting impacts of residential schools are never forgotten. Today, we honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors, their families, and communities.

As Right to Know Week 2025 wraps up, we're resharing some of our favourite podcast episodes on access to information. Learn how the freedom of information (FOI) process works, and how our office uses mediation to help resolve access appeals.

The IPC is growing and so are the opportunities to join our team! If you’re experienced, driven and ready to help shape the future of privacy and transparency in Ontario, explore our opportunities today! ow.ly/JqiR50X2nH0

This Right to Know Week we’re championing the positive power of transparency and the public’s right to access information. Explore the #IPCTransparencyShowcase, where Ontario’s public institutions highlight the benefits of government transparency. #RTK2025 ow.ly/P3hU50X0kuM

Each year, from September 22 to 28, Canadians celebrate the fundamental right of access to information and the role it plays in strengthening our democracy. Join the conversation and explore how access rights support open, transparent government. #RTK2025

Thank you to the Personal Information Protection Commission of South Korea for hosting the 47th Global Privacy Assembly (GPA). It was an excellent opportunity to connect with privacy and data protection authorities from around the world and exchange insights on emerging technologies and policy.

The IPC is at the OMD Educates: Digital Health Conference today! Stop by our booth to learn more about our work and pick up helpful resources on protecting privacy while embracing innovation in digital health.

Commissioner Patricia Kosseim joined the panel on data governance for EdTech to discuss protecting children’s privacy at the 47th Global Privacy Assembly. Together, they explored concrete ways to strengthen data governance in EdTech and ensure children’s privacy is protected in a digital world.

The IPC is proud to announce the renewal of our Youth Advisory Council with five new members. Each has an impressive range of experiences, outlooks and a passion for youth digital and privacy rights. Together, our 10 council members will help shape how the IPC engages with youth. ow.ly/5Bqy50WX9ut

Just as students embark on a new school year, Commissioner Kosseim is embarking on her second term. Read her latest blog post reflecting on lessons from the first five years. ow.ly/iSTQ50WWWtq

From free lesson plans to our Digital Privacy Charter and a guide to privacy and access in Ontario schools, we’ve put together everything educators and parents need to support responsible digital citizenship. Start the school year with the tools to help students: ow.ly/ic8U50WOeZi

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to strengthen collaboration on privacy issues. Learn more: ow.ly/yiIM50WVbEK

Commissioner Kosseim took the stage today at the Government Innovation Showcase Ontario for a panel on Designing Public Services Around People and Purpose. She joined fellow leaders to discuss how governments can better serve Ontarians by putting people at the centre of digital transformation.

Tune in to the Public Sector Podcast where Commissioner Kosseim shares what inspires her work in the public service and how communities can design services that balance innovation, privacy, and transparency. Listen here: ow.ly/oq5250WToFw

Administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) are some of the newest tools in the IPC's regulatory toolbox, allowing our office to impose fines in cases where a serious health privacy breach has occurred. But this is not a power we take lightly, and AMPs are never the first response.

Five years of transformation. A new chapter begins. In her latest blog, Commissioner Kosseim reflects on key milestones from her first term and is laying the groundwork for the IPC’s next strategic plan. Read the blog: ow.ly/cmeg50WPJFK