An investigation into the ArriveCAN app has been opened
The government suspects a leak of users' personal data.
Canada's federal privacy watchdog has launched an investigation into the ArriveCAN app after another complaint was received.
"Our office has received and is currently investigating a complaint that raises concerns about the collection of personal information through ArriveCAN and the subsequent use of that information," according to a July 27 statement from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Over the past two years, privacy and legal experts have repeatedly questioned the type of personal data ArriveCAN collects, how that information is stored, and how that data is shared with various government agencies.
Back in June 2020, the Privacy Commissioner received a request to review the app for possible data misuse. At the time, he responded two months later and said there was no cause for concern. This time it's serious: The commissioner's office refuses to divulge any details of the investigation.
ArriveCAN was launched in April 2020 as a way to collect personal information needed by health officials to enforce quarantine regulations. At the time, registration on the app was voluntary. But in November of that year, it became mandatory for those entering the country by air, and in March 2021 by land.
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