With the dawn of information technology, data privacy and security has become a major concern.

A report from Ottawa revealed that Canadians are confident with the country’s data protection methods. They are extremely confident that the Federal Government would protect all their personal details.

Just like every other country, the Federal Government of Canada collects information. They collect and share information to offer better services. Data is shared among many departments. Canadians are not worried about how data gets shared between various departments. Most Canadians claim that the federal government has taken all necessary steps to ensure data integrity, privacy and security.

Locals believe that official surveillance is important. The Government of Canada should be aware of everything that happens in the virtual world. It is an integral part of national security.

On the other hand, some people are concerned about the government snooping into their personal devices. In Canada, the government can snoop on a person’s internet and mobile activities. This may appear as a privacy issue. Violation of privacy is subject to serious criticism. There are many studies and reviews on how violation of privacy can be a boon and a bane.

A few days ago, a study was performed by Environics Institute. This is an Ottawa based Institute. The survey was performed by a huge team. The Canadian survey was a part of the major Americas Barometer Study. The study was conducted for two years in 26 different countries. During the survey, more than 1500 Canadians answered. The survey was conducted online. Environics did another survey on how Canadians respond to public service and governance. Around 2000 Canadians were a part of this survey. The results didn’t have any error margins. The samples were carefully evaluated to match the present population of Canada. The samples were sorted by gender, region, and age.

Environics figured that 9% of Canadians agreed that the Government of Canada is protecting their personal details. All information provided as a part of taxes, crossing borders, passport application and employment insurance are carefully protected.

According to the survey, Canadians believe that the Government protects their data adequately.

With respect to numbers, around 48% agree partially. Nearly 31% are not extremely confident and 9% are unconfident about data privacy.

IOG Public Governance Exchange’s executive director Karl Salgo told that the survey undermines reality. Salgo added that the focus on security and privacy needs to be high. The government needs to stress on data privacy and security as it gathers more information. In the next few years, the government is likely to experience a better digital presence. With this improvement, it should ensure better data privacy and security.

Quite recently, IOG Public Governance Exchange unrolled Blueprint 2020. This is a master plan that discusses many issues. Security and privacy concerns play an integral role in the master plan. These are two important areas of concern. Both privacy and security concerns should be discussed, wrestled and resolved.

Canadians are aware of the legitimacy concerns. However, they are curious about data privacy too. Salgo said that Canadians recognize the need for legitimacy in surveillance but they are not prepared to share or disclose data. No one wants a Big Brother or a police officer to spy on their critical, personal information.

A good number of people believe that the Government of Canada and other private organizations like healthcare service providers, cable companies, and banks are preserving information.

It is quite interesting to note that 25% of Canadians believe that the private sector is better with security. When compared to the Federal Government, the private sector is doing a better job. Luckily, 17% are still confident in the Federal Government.

The study was performed before Quebec and Ottawa soldiers were attacked. The attacks raised more concerns about national security and data privacy. The attacks triggered the government to expand its areas of focus. Today, the government works more on how to combat national security issues. Respondents clearly understood that national security is of paramount importance. National security is something the government should invest and achieve. There is no harm in using internet usage, telephone records and other data patterns for combating security threats. One in four Canadians consider these steps as necessary. Around 56% consider these steps as fairly important.

Across the country, Canadians had similar views. Individuals who were politically right and above 45 years of age showed stronger support. Around 72% of Canadians who were politically inclined said that data is required to protect democracy. And, 43% of Canadians declared that data is good for the country’s democracy. On the whole, 62% of Canadians consider government surveillance as an important factor. It is required to ensure better democracy and welfare. But, 38% of Canadians are still unhappy with surveillance activities. They consider government surveillance as a threat and a harmful activity.

Keith Neuman, the Executive Director of Environics Institute told that Canadians who are concerned about data spies are present throughout the country. This feeling is pretty strong amongst Canadians who are between 30 and 40 years of age. In fact, people from Quebec and those who are well-informed find government surveillance as a threat to their privacy.

Fortunately, these opinions have not made work difficult for the government. Canadians are prepared to share their personal details with various departments. Canadians believe that personal information is required for the veteran, pension, and employment insurance benefits. Data sharing does come with privacy risks. These risks are outweighed by the benefits.

The Canadian government has hundreds of structural, cultural and legal barriers on how data can be shared. The Government cannot share data freely. And, they don’t offer similar details at all times. The survey discovered many priorities on how data is processed by the government. In most cases, data is used to ensure cost-effectiveness, privacy protection, and better use.

The right kind of data can change the way a government works. In the past three quarters, online information is used to modernize services and decisions. In fact, data is used by internet service providers to deliver affordable and efficient services.

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