Friday, May 20, 2005

U.S. security files with Cdn data off-limits (and vice-versa)

Canadian and American security agencies are increasing their sharing of data about international passengers. The Canadian Press is pointing out that privacy laws on the each side of the border make the data untouchable to those on the other side:

CANOE -- CNEWS - Canada: U.S. security files with Cdn data off-limits:

"... However, a Canadian barred from flying into the U.S. may not be able to contest the information held by the Americans. This is because Canadians, unlike American citizens, cannot use the U.S. Privacy Act to obtain personal files from Washington.

'Canadians do not have the right to challenge the data held by U.S. authorities,' says the privacy assessment.

Use of Canada's Privacy Act is also usually limited to citizens and residents of Canada...."

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