3.1 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
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The BC Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA
Links to an external site.) regulates the information and privacy practices of "public bodies" including provincial government ministries, local governments, crown corporations, local police forces, schools, and hospitals to name a few.
Our University, its employees, service providers and volunteers share a legal obligation to protect public and personal information in the custody or under the control of the institution. Everyone must comply with the Act's privacy rules and regulations whenever third party personal information is entrusted to the University’s care.
FIPPA's main purposes are:
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Freedom of Information, which gives the public a right of access to information in University records to which no exceptions apply. Normally, a formal access to information request is necessary only when requested information cannot be disclosed routinely by a department using existing channels and procedures. It is important for SFU employees to understand their obligations under the Act, to know how to respond to such requests, and to consult the Information and Privacy Officer when they believe the information cannot be disclosed.
- Protection of Privacy, to protect everyone's right to personal privacy by prohibiting the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of your personal information by public bodies.