Companies that harvest data are increasing in power, and Canadians are understandably anxious about it. As our economy becomes more data driven—and as data becomes more valuable—Canadians need a national data strategy that provides a common framework for data security and privacy, that prioritizes transparency and oversight in the processing of data, and that transcends silos and jurisdictional barriers. Such a strategy must embrace an innovative future and, at the same time, protect our society’s most deeply held values.
To develop a national data strategy for Canada, governments must begin by:
- developing a statement of values for a digital society
- reforming data-protection and intellectual property laws to meet modern needs
- setting rigorous data-security standards for big data and Internet of Things technologies
- ensuring greater transparency and oversight of the algorithms used to process data
