TELUS achieves historic ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification
First in the world, TELUS’ Data for Good program is recognized as an international example of best practices around data de-identification.
Vancouver – TELUS, a global technology company, has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first company in the world to achieve the ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification. This achievement substantiates TELUS' commitment to safeguarding privacy and advancing the principles of trustworthy data practices across Canada and beyond.
“TELUS’ unwavering dedication to prioritizing Privacy by Design principles is now being rightly validated internationally, and that is a good thing for their customers,” said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, privacy expert. “By receiving the ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification, TELUS continues to demonstrate that privacy is not an afterthought but an integral part of their DNA, setting a global benchmark for responsible data stewardship and innovation."
The certification was awarded to TELUS Data for Good, powered by the TELUS Insights platform, a first-of-its-kind program focused on leveraging de-identified data for social good. KPMG, the international auditing and advisory firm, conducted a comprehensive evaluation and provided TELUS Data for Good with a clean report confirming the program aligns with international privacy criteria, and the requirements laid out under the ‘7 Foundational Principles of Privacy by Design’ – originally developed by Cavoukian – which underpin the ISO 31700 Privacy by Design Standard.
"At TELUS, we firmly believe that a responsible, human-centric approach to data stewardship is not only an obligation but an essential tool to build trust and create a better future for all,” says Pamela Snively, Chief Data & Trust Officer at TELUS. “Data for Good’s ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification is a testament to our belief that innovation and social purpose go hand-in-hand, and that with transparency and accountability, we can continue to build a more inclusive and privacy-conscious digital world."
TELUS has woven privacy, and trustworthy data practices into every facet of its business operations, ensuring that all employees at every level are actively engaged in maintaining its stringent standards. The Data for Good program, launched in 2017 and winner of the 2020 HPE-IAPP Privacy Innovation Award, offers researchers access to high-quality, strongly de-identified and aggregated data and insights to support a range of social impact initiatives like the design of public parks, efficient transportation systems in response to natural disasters, and efforts to reduce climate change. To learn more about how the TELUS Insights platform can improve decision-making in commercial sectors, see TELUS’ Big Data Solutions & Analytics.
"TELUS' achievement showcases their exceptional dedication to privacy and data ethics,” says Sylvia Klasovec Kingsmill, Global Privacy Solutions Partner, KPMG Canada. “This certification represents their rigorous commitment to safeguarding data, thereby setting a gold standard in data privacy practices that others can learn from and aspire to."
In supporting Canadians’ understanding of how data and technology can be used for social good, TELUS’ online Privacy Centre lays out clear details about the Data for Good program and how the data de-identification process works, as well as the additional steps taken to protect their privacy.
For information visit telus.com/trust.