The United States and Canada have agreed to improve information sharing and law enforcement cooperation in protecting consumer privacy. The Federal Communications Commission and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada formalized the plan on Wednesday by signing a memorandum of agreement.
Under the deal, the two nations aim to smoothen the exchange of information to support enforcement of compliance with privacy rules in the U.S. and Canada and establish a platform to share knowledge and expertise.
“A top priority for the commission is ensuring protection of consumer privacy, data protection and cybersecurity,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “This is especially important in today’s world, where access to consumers’ personal information is not limited by devices or borders.” She added that the partnership with Canada builds on both countries’ efforts to protect consumers’ personal information.
In the United States, the FCC oversees the enforcement of communication laws and regulations, while the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is responsible for ensuring organizations comply with two federal privacy laws.
The agreement aligns with the Biden administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which promotes strengthening international collaboration to protect people online.