Preventing privacy pitfalls in business

In today’s digital age, protecting personal and corporate information is a critical concern for both employers and employees. Privacy breaches can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the reputation and operations of businesses.

What information requires protection?

When it comes to sensitive information at work, there can be a lot more on the line than people expect. In fact, the workplace is a treasure trove of sensitive data that requires vigilant protection. Such data includes:

• Personal employee information, such as social insurance numbers and health records
• Corporate data, including financial reports and strategic plans
• Client details and proprietary information entrusted to the company

Employers must take reasonable steps to protect information. Such steps include having clear privacy policies, conducting regular training, limiting access and using secure systems.

Employees must comply with any confidentiality clauses and responsible sharing protocols in place. Oftentimes, these obligations extend post-employment, regardless of how the employee leaves the company. Reporting suspicious activity and securing workspaces can also be crucial so that the company can proactively address security and privacy breaches.

If either party breaches their duties to keep private information secure, there are consequences.

Consequences of privacy breaches

When privacy breaches occur, the fallout can be significant. Employers who fail to protect sensitive information may face:

• Legal action and hefty fines under Canadian privacy laws – depending on whether the employer is federally or provincially regulated, or a private or public company, the appropriate legislation would be the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, or the BC Personal Information Protection Act.
• Loss of trust from employees and clients, and/or legal action against employers
• Damage to the company’s reputation and goodwill

Employees who leak or share sensitive information can also face serious repercussions, like:

• Disciplinary action, including termination of employment for just cause
• Legal consequences, including lawsuits such as an injunction application, and/or criminal charges
• Long-term damage to professional reputation and future employment prospects

Privacy matters to everyone, and there are effective ways to safeguard it in the workplace. As such, when someone violates privacy in the workplace, the consequences can be severe for all parties involved.

Safeguarding privacy in British Columbian businesses

It’s essential for both employers and employees in British Columbia to understand the importance of protecting sensitive information and the potential repercussions of failing to do so. By fostering a culture of privacy awareness and compliance, we can ensure a secure and trustworthy work environment for all.