Information Privacy

Information Privacy plays a crucial role in research data management. While often associated with health research, Information Privacy applies to any research projects that collect, use, and/or disclose (CUD) information considered personal, or identifiable about an individual.

Before you read this page 

It is recommended that you discuss the collection, use, and/or disclosure of personal or identifiable information requirements of your project with an information privacy professional during the project planning phase. This page covers high level concepts about Information Privacy in British-Columbia, and may not include all information specifically applicable to your research project.  

For assistance, please contact arc.support@ubc.ca  

 
Information on this page may be relevant to you if:
  • Your research project involves human participants or information about individuals; 
  • Your research project will collect, use and/or disclose (CUD) personal and/or identifiable information about an individual; 
  • Your research information is subject to specific privacy requirements. 
 
How UBC defines Personal Information

Definitions for Personal Information, and Personal Health Information can be found in the Office of the CIO Glossary of terms. Further guidance on what constitutes Personal Information can be found on the UBC Office of the University Counsel website. 

Planning research with Privacy in mind  

In British Columbia, Information Privacy is primarily regulated by the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the BC Personal Information and Protection Act (PIPA). It is the responsibility of researchers to determine which legislation applies to their research data and comply with the requirements of this legislation. UBC researchers are encouraged to follow the privacy principles below when collecting, processing and disclosing Personal Information: 

Life Sciences Lab on Vancouver Campus

Privacy Impact Assessment 

A Privacy Impact Assessment (or PIA) is a risk-based analysis of information CUD, based on potential harm that could be caused by its loss, corruption, or disclosure. Depending on the nature of your research, and the scope of use of your research tools/solutions, you may be required to produce a PIA.

Learn more


Additional Resources

To learn more about UBC security requirements, visit:

Office of the Chief Information Officer

To learn more about UBC legal requirements, visit:
 

Office of the University Counsel

To learn more about UBC information privacy and security, visit:

UBC Privacy Matters

To learn more about UBC contracts and partnerships, visit:

University-Industry Liaison Office


Can’t find what you are looking for? 

Send us an email at arc.suport@ubc.ca to talk to one of our subject matter experts.  


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