Skip to content

Brought to you by

Dentons logo

Dentons Data

Your trusted advisor for all things digital.

open menu close menu

Dentons Data

  • Home
  • About Us

Considerations for de-identifying personal health information: Guidance from Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner

By Kirsten Thompson, Sasha Coutu, and Noah Walters
June 24, 2022
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data
  • Guidance
  • Privacy
  • Technology
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via email Share on LinkedIn

Modern health technology relies on increased availability and quality of personal health information to improve the quality of treatment and prevent diseases. However, it is no secret that data in its non-identifying form is also valuable in the health care context, as it can drive innovation and inform decision-makers on public health matters and health system planning. Further, the surge of artificial intelligence in health care often requires large datasets to ensure the development, improvement, and overall accuracy of such technology.

This insight focuses on a recent decision (the Decision) of Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner (the IPC), concerning a group of medical clinics (the custodians) collecting and using personal health information in the course of providing health care, which then sold de-identified information derived from this personal health information to a third-party corporation. To do so, the custodians retained the services of one service provider to de-identify the personal health information on their behalf, and the services of another service provider to enter a sale agreement with the purchaser of the de-identified information.

Read more here.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via email Share on LinkedIn
Subscribe and stay updated
Receive our latest blog posts by email.
Stay in Touch
Kirsten Thompson

About Kirsten Thompson

Kirsten Thompson is a partner and the national lead of Dentons’ Privacy and Cybersecurity group. She has both an advisory and advocacy practice, and provides privacy, data security and data management advice to clients in a wide variety of industries.

All posts Full bio

Sasha Coutu

About Sasha Coutu

Sasha Coutu is an associate in the Privacy and Cybersecurity group and the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group at Dentons.

All posts

Noah Walters

About Noah Walters

Noah Walters (He/Him/His) is an associate in the Banking and Finance group at Dentons. His practice involves representing blockchain, FinTech and other emerging technology companies on financing and regulatory matters. Prior to joining Dentons Noah co-founded two technology businesses where he held roles as Head of Sales and CEO respectively. Noah’s experience with technology and corporate strategy not only allows him to grasp a deeper understanding of clients’ business, but also gives clients’ the benefit of his practical insight into how their business can best achieve its objectives. Noah joined Dentons as a summer student in 2019 and articled with the Firm in 2020.

All posts

RELATED POSTS

  • Litigation
  • Privacy

Court Finds Language of Privacy Act Precludes Arbitration of Privacy Disputes

By Chloe Snider
  • Data
  • Privacy

Privacy Commissioner Extends Deadline for Transborder Data Flow Consultation

By Kirsten Thompson
  • Privacy

Court of Appeal Clarifies Limitations Period in Alberta Privacy Actions

By Emily Shilletto

About Dentons

Dentons is designed to be different. As the world’s largest law firm with 20,000 professionals in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries, we can help you grow, protect, operate and finance your business. Our polycentric and purpose-driven approach, together with our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and ESG, ensures we challenge the status quo to stay focused on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com

Dentons boilerplate image

Twitter

Categories

Subscribe and stay updated

Receive our latest blog posts by email.

Stay in Touch

Dentons logo

© 2023 Dentons

  • Legal notices
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of use
  • Cookies on this site