Thank you, Madam Chair and committee members for your invitation to discuss tracing applications, one of the approaches being studied in Canada and elsewhere to ensure a safe return to a more normal life. Please note that the expression “tracing application” is used in public speech to describe various mobile applications that serve as public health tools. Some applications are designed for conducting true contact tracing, while others have the goal of informing users and giving them advice based on their level of risk. The goal of an application is important for privacy purposes.
During this public health crisis related to COVID-19, the health and safety of Canadians is a key concern. It's natural for governments and public health authorities to try to find ways, including technological means, to better understand and control the spread of the virus. In this context, the Office of the Commissioner has adopted a flexible and contextual approach in its enforcement of privacy laws. We strongly believe that it's possible to use technology to protect both public health and privacy. Technology in itself is neither good nor bad. Everything depends on how it's designed, used and regulated.
When properly designed, tracing applications could achieve both objectives simultaneously, in terms of public health and the protection of rights. However, if implemented inappropriately, they could lead to surveillance by governments or businesses that exceeds public health needs and is therefore a violation of our fundamental rights.
I will now try to switch to English. I do not have the language button on my screen. I have a microphone and a camera, but no indication of language.
Does it work, even though I'm speaking English now?