News release

Commissioner Dufresne concludes participation at the 62nd Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum

November 29, 2024

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne joined data protection and privacy authorities for the 62nd Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) Forum this week.

During the two-day forum hosted by the Personal Information Protection Commission of Japan, privacy authorities discussed common issues, including the safe transfer of personal data to promote trust and innovation, children’s privacy, and artificial intelligence governance, all with the aim of strengthening relationships and enhancing regulatory cooperation in the region.

Commissioner Dufresne joined Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner Patricia Kosseim and British Columbia Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey on a panel discussion, where he highlighted the importance of leveraging data and research and engaging with youth to better understand their issues and perspectives, to inform efforts in supporting youth privacy.

In their joint communiqué, the APPA members acknowledged the need for proactive approaches to privacy regulation and shared strategies for enhancing collaboration and interjurisdictional cooperation.

On the margins of APPA, Commissioner Dufresne participated in an event hosted by the Future of Privacy Forum, where he took part in a conversation on Regulatory Priorities of Data Protection and Privacy Authorities for 2025 and beyond.

The Commissioner also participated in a panel on the role of data protection authorities in AI oversight and enforcement organized by the Centre for Information Policy Leadership. He spoke about how Canadian privacy authorities are addressing AI-related developments, cross-regulatory collaboration, and calling on developers and providers of generative AI to embed privacy in the design, conception, operation, and management of new products and services.

APPA brings together regulators from across the Asia Pacific region, as well as guests from industry, think tanks, trade associations, and privacy regulators from outside the region, to discuss global privacy issues.

Quote

“Regulators around the globe are working together to keep pace with emerging technologies and to identify best practices for ensuring the safe transfer of data across borders. To protect and promote individuals’ fundamental right to privacy, collaboration with fellow domestic and international regulators and privacy partners is essential.”

Philippe Dufresne
Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Related links

• Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (English only)

Media contact

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
communications@priv.gc.ca