Real Estate Council of Alberta Fundamentals Practice Exam

What is the federal legislation that governs the protection of personal information in electronic documents?

1. Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)

2. Privacy and Protection Act (PPA)

3. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

4. Digital Privacy Act (DPA)

The correct answer is: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is the federal legislation that governs how private-sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. PIPEDA establishes the principles for the protection of personal information, ensuring that individuals have rights regarding their personal data. This act applies to electronic documents and outlines the responsibilities of organizations in managing and safeguarding personal information, thereby fostering trust and security in transactions and communications conducted electronically. In contrast, the other mentioned legislations do not cover the federal scope of personal information protection in the same manner. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) is specific to certain provinces and does not have the same nationwide application as PIPEDA. The Privacy and Protection Act (PPA) may suggest a broader focus but is not an actual piece of legislation recognized under federal law. Similarly, the Digital Privacy Act (DPA) is more of an amendment to PIPEDA, focusing on specific aspects of privacy rather than being standalone legislation. Hence, PIPEDA remains the comprehensive law governing the issue at a national level.