Privacy Jurisprudence Review: Now Available – Fifth Edition (2026)

We are pleased to announce the release of the Privacy Jurisprudence Review, Fifth Edition, published by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Spring 2026.

In an era marked by digital innovation and constant connectivity, personal information has never been more accessible or more vulnerable. Chief Privacy Officers, in-house counsel, and compliance professionals face an increasingly complex landscape when it comes to managing privacy and data-related risks. This edition of the Privacy Jurisprudence Review explores the latest developments in Canadian privacy law, highlighting notable judicial decisions and legal trends that are actively shaping the field.

What’s Inside

This year’s edition features expert commentary on a curated collection of significant cases spanning a wide range of privacy issues, including:

Privacy class actions and data breaches. The review examines key rulings on class action certification arising from data breaches, including decisions addressing the scope of liability for data custodians impacted by cyberattacks and the sufficiency of pleadings in privacy-related claims.

Expectation of privacy. Several decisions explore the evolving boundaries of privacy expectations, from the collection and disclosure of customer data to third parties for advertising purposes, to privacy claims involving health apps, online review platforms, and social media.

Biometric data and surveillance. The review addresses the use of AI-powered video surveillance in commercial vehicles and the necessity requirements under Québec’s privacy legislation for employers deploying such technology.

Privacy in the context of national security. A landmark decision on the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act reaffirms the constitutional protections against warrantless surveillance of financial information and the reasonable expectation of privacy in individuals’ financial data.

Application of privacy legislation to foreign corporations. The review covers the significant Clearview AI decision, which affirmed that provincial privacy legislation can apply to foreign corporations conducting internet-based activities that affect individuals in the province even without a physical presence in Canada.

Why It Matters

The decisions featured in this edition carry practical implications for any organization that collects, uses, or discloses personal information. From the broadening scope of privacy class actions to regulators asserting jurisdiction over foreign technology companies, the legal landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Whether you are managing incident response, navigating consent requirements, or assessing the risks of emerging technologies, this publication offers the insights you need to stay ahead.

The Privacy Jurisprudence Review is a collaboration between Osler’s Privacy Disputes team and the firm’s National Privacy and Data Management practices, drawing on integrated insights from both groups through the AccessPrivacy by Osler platform.

Read the full Fifth Edition of the Privacy Jurisprudence Review today to equip your team with the knowledge to navigate Canada’s rapidly evolving privacy landscape.

This content has been updated on May 8, 2026 at 15 h 01 min.