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Government and Big Data: Privacy Risks and Solutions

Privacy Day Event - January 26, 2017

9 - 11:30 a.m.

Big data is changing the landscape of how Ontario institutions develop public policy and design government programs. Our governments are collecting more data than ever before and are taking advantage of powerful computing and analytical models. Many believe that big data analytics support evidence-based decision making and fuel innovation by enabling public policy makers to gain insights from data faster and in previously unimagined ways, including predicting human behaviour.

How can we ensure that the privacy rights of Ontarians are respected and personal information is managed appropriately and fairly in a big data world? How do we ensure transparency and that results and findings are accurate and non-discriminatory? How can we protect an individual’s right to challenge findings that are based on these powerful analytical tools?

Key issues to be discussed include:

• The benefits and risks of big data analytics
• The potential for bias
• Appropriate safeguards

This event will feature a presentation by Brian Beamish, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, followed by a panel discussion among experts in the field of big data and privacy.

Special guest panelists include:

• Patricia Kosseim, Senior General Counsel and Director General, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

• Samantha Liscio, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Planning and Reporting, eHealth Ontario

• Jonathan Obar, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies, York University

• John Roberts, Chief Privacy Officer and Archivist of Ontario

The panel will be moderated by Assistant Commissioner, David Goodis.