Effective September 22, 2024, Quebec's data portability right will come into force, marking the final phase of the implementation of the amendments to the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (the Act) introduced in the Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards to the protection of personal information (Law 25), which began in September 2022.1 This new right aligns with global trends that emphasize individual control over personal information. For businesses operating in Quebec, understanding the data portability right is essential, as it imposes significant obligations and is critical for both compliance and maintaining customer trust.
In broad terms, data portability allows individuals to request the transfer of their personal information—either to themselves or another organization at their request. This right empowers consumers by giving them greater control over their data and making it easier to switch service providers.
Below are the key considerations.
Certain types of information are not subject to portability rights:
At the request of an individual, service providers must communicate the computerized personal information in a structured, commonly used technological format.
To comply with data portability requirements, service providers should take the following steps:
By understanding data portability requirements and developing robust processes, businesses can not only remain compliant but also build stronger relationships with their customers, enhancing trust and loyalty.
We are grateful for the assistance of Alexia Armstrong, student-at-law, in connection with the preparation of this article.
1 Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector, CQLR c P-39.1, s 27.
2 Commission d'accès à l'information, "Vos Droits: Contrôler l'accès et la circulation de vos renseignements personnels", online: <https://www.cai.gouv.qc.ca/protection-renseignements-personnels/citoyens-protection-renseignements-personnels/acces-et-protection-renseignements-personnels>.
3 Government of Quebec, "Droit à la portabilité", online: <https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/travailler-gouvernement/travailler-fonction-publique/services-employes-etat/conformite/protection-des-renseignements-personnels/acces-aux-renseignements-personnels/droit-portabilite>.
4 Supra note 2.
5 Supra note 3.