The infraNET Project and Communitech present ...

The infraNET Distinquished Speaker Seminar Series

Privacy in a Wired World - Can You Have Both?

Dr. Ann Cavoukian

Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario

Tuesday, March 24, 1998
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Davis Centre, Room 1302
University of Waterloo

Abstract

Globally, issues about information privacy in the marketplace have emerged in tandem with the dramatic and escalating increase in information stored in electronic formats. Data mining, for example, can be extremely valuable for businesses, but in the absence of adequate safeguards, it can jeopradize informational privacy. The Internet, which is already influencing interactions among people, also poses threats to informational privacy unless appropriate safeguards are in place. Electronic commerce will not be able to reach its full potential until privacy issues have been resolved. Dr. Cavoukian will talk about data mining, the Internet and the implications for consumers, businesses and software developers.

Biography

Dr. Ann Cavoukian, as Interim Information and Privacy Commissioner, oversees the operations of Ontario's freedom of information and protection of privacy laws, which apply to both provincial and municipal government organizations. She serves as an officer of the legislature, independent of the government of the day. Ann joined the Information and Privacy Commission in 1987 as its first Director of Compliance and was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 1990, responsible for the protection of privacy and compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts. Prior to her work at the Commission, Ann headed the Research Services Branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General. Ann received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in criminology and lectured on psychology and the criminal justice system. Ann speaks extensively on the importance of privacy around the world. Her published works include a recent book on privacy called "Who Knows: Safeguarding Your Privacy in a Networked World."

For more information

Shirley Fenton
The infraNET Project
Computer Systems Group, University of Waterloo
(519) 888-4074

Seminar Sponsorship

This seminar is sponsored by The infraNET Project and Communitech.

Communitech is an association of technology companies, educational institutions, and government working effectively together to bring real enterprise to Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT). The CTT encompasses the Municipalities of Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo.

The infraNET Project, initiated by the University of Waterloo in 1996, is a partnership to advance Web and Internet technologies. Its founding partners are: INFORIUM, MKS, Open Text, RIM, Sybase (Waterloo) and Waterloo Maple.

We also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Institute for Computer Research, University of Waterloo.