The party said the change would ensure users can provide informed consent to firms gathering their personal information. If elected, it said it will also set unspecified new rules to ensure companies’ use of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is “ethical and secure”; create a Canada Cyber Safe program to vet products; and establish an industry-led committee to set cyber-security standards for “critical infrastructure sectors.” And, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer said he would establish a cabinet committee on cyber-security and data privacy. He said the Liberal government has been “particularly careless” on safeguarding Canadians’ information. (The Logic)

Talking point: The current government has introduced new cyber-security education and protections for citizens during its term, and has promised further regulations, including some that are similar to those proposed by the Conservatives. It also set up the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security in October 2018, whose mandate includes giving consumers and businesses advice and information about preventing breaches and current threats. For example, a December 2018 report said IoT devices are a major target for hacking and misuses, because manufacturers have focused on making them easy to use instead of secure. It’s also supposed to work with large firms in strategically important sectors like banking and telecommunications. In May, the government proposed changes to Canada’s consumer privacy law that would require companies to provide users with plain-language information about how their data will be used and with whom it will be shared. Its digital charter—which will inform future legislation if the Liberals are re-elected in October—states that Canadians should have control over their data and feel safe using digital services.