Thank you for your question.
The first thing the charter would do is create expectations. I think the industry would like that. Very clear expectations would be created for the industry, along with a framework establishing parameters for what we consider to be normal and usual privacy protection rules in Canada.
Basically, expectations would be created in three highly specific areas. First, clarifications would be made to the procedures for collecting, processing and analyzing social media users' data. The current problem is a lack of transparency. Users don't know what is being collected, where that information is going and what kind of control they can have over that data.
Second, as I already mentioned, we would also need ways to allow users to participate in the discussion process on privacy issues. Our approach would include much broader participation. A charter would aim to achieve not only greater transparency, but also greater inclusion in the decision-making process.
Finally, the charter would provide specifically for companies' commitment to co-operate with the Canadian Parliament, provincial parliaments and various federal and provincial privacy protection organizations. Once those commitments have been made, we would establish a relatively consistent normative framework for the whole country. Businesses would thrive within a clear and specific framework.
I disagree with the theory that giving businesses greater responsibility will scare them off. Doing business in the digital world and social media in Canada is currently very profitable. I am not at all worried when it comes to that.