Information and Privacy Commissioner Opens Investigation Into Alleged Information Breach by Alberta Energy and Utilities Board

November 24, 2006

Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner, Frank Work, has opened an investigation into an allegation that the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board posted personal information on its internet site, contrary to Alberta’s privacy legislation.

Personal information was collected about a number of residents and landowners in the area of two proposed sour gas wells near the community of Rocky Rapids. The information was collected as part of emergency planning.

The information was posted to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board website, and contained names, addresses, telephone numbers and other personal information. It was on the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board’s website for approximately six months.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner will investigate to determine whether the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board had the authority to disclose the personal information on its website. The investigation will also look at the security arrangements used by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board to guard against unauthorized access, collection, use and disclosure.