2024-2025 Public Opinion Research on Privacy Issues

1. Telephone Survey

This section of the report presents the findings of the biennial RDD telephone survey of 1,500 Canadians.

1.1 General Concern and Privacy Knowledge

The vast majority of Canadians expressed some level of concern about protecting their privacy

Nine in 10 Canadians (89%) are at least somewhat concerned about the protection of their privacy, including 36% who are extremely concerned. Very few Canadians (10%) are not concerned about protecting their privacy. Over time, concern about personal privacy has been very consistent, with extreme concern ranging from a low of 32% in 2020 to a high of 38% in 2022. Comparing 2022 to 2024, the level of concern among Canadians has not changed in any significant way.

As was the case in 2022 and 2020, concern about privacy remained higher in Quebec and among those aged 35 and older. In Quebec, 61% of respondents reported being very or extremely concerned about privacy protection, compared to 51% in Atlantic Canada, 52% in Ontario, 47% in the Prairies, and 43% in British Columbia. Concern also increased with age: 29% of 16- to 24-year-olds and 41% of 25- to 34-year-olds reported high levels of concern, compared to 57% of 35- to 54-year-olds, 62% of 55- to 64-year-olds, and 56% of those 65 and older. Additionally, those who consider themselves very knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy rights were more likely to express strong concern (60%) than those who are somewhat knowledgeable (49%) or not knowledgeable (42%).

Nearly half of Canadians claim to be knowledgeable about their privacy rights

Close to half of the Canadians surveyed rated their knowledge of their privacy rights as good (34%) or very good (13%). Conversely, just under one-third assessed their knowledge as poor (24%) or very poor (7%). While Canadians’ reported knowledge of their privacy rights was very consistent from 2016 to 2020, 2022 marked a significant change when self-assessed knowledge declined 13 percentage points between 2020 and 2022. The trend continued this year, although the decline over time was much smaller (from 51% in 2022 to 47% in 2024). Overall, Canadians’ self-assessed knowledge of their privacy rights has been declining since 2020.

Self-assessed knowledge was significantly higher in Quebec (62%) and Atlantic Canada (54%) than in Ontario (42%), the Prairies (42%), and British Columbia (41%). It was also higher among Canadians aged 55+ (55%) compared to 16- to 24-year-olds (31%). Additionally, it was higher among Canadians who are very concerned about the protection of their privacy (56%) and those who consider themselves very knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (77%).

Many Canadians believe that they know how to protect their privacy

Six in 10 Canadians (59%) rated their knowledge of how to protect their privacy as good (45%) or very good (14%). In contrast, two in 10 said they have poor (17%) or very poor (4%) knowledge of how to protect their privacy.^{Footnote 1}

Knowledge of how to protect one’s privacy was higher in Quebec: 66% said they have good or very good knowledge in this area compared to residents of Ontario (55%), the Prairies (57%), and British Columbia (56%).

Canadians rate their knowledge of existing privacy laws lower than their understanding of privacy rights and how to protect their privacy

One-third (33%) of Canadians surveyed rated their knowledge of existing privacy laws as good (27%) or very good (6%). Conversely, 43 percent reported that they had poor (30%) or very poor (13%) knowledge of existing privacy laws.

The following groups of Canadians were more likely to say that they have good or very good knowledge of existing privacy laws:

• residents of Atlantic Canada (41%) and Quebec (40%) compared to the Prairies (28%);
• Canadians aged 25+ (30% of 25- to 34-year-olds, 39% of 35- to 54-year-olds, and 38% of 55+ versus 12% of 16- to 24-year-olds);
• University graduates (37% compared to 28% of those with high school or less); and
• Canadians who said that they were very concerned about the protection of their personal privacy (41% versus 25% of those somewhat concerned) and who rated themselves as very knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (62% versus 23% of those somewhat knowledgeable).

The majority of Canadians feel confident about their knowledge of the privacy implications of new technologies

More than half of those surveyed (55%) are confident that they know how new technologies might impact their privacy. In contrast, 45% do not feel confident, including 32% who disagreed with the statement I feel confident that I know how new technologies might affect my personal privacy. Confidence has increased since 2022 and is now at its highest level in a decade.^{Footnote 2}

The following groups of Canadians were less likely to feel confident that they know how new technologies might affect their personal privacy: Canadians aged 55+ (49% compared to 66% of 25- to 34-year-olds and 57% of 35- to 54-year-olds); women (51%); and those who said that they were not knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (43% compared to 75% of those who said that they are very knowledgeable).

Almost half do not know what to do about a privacy breach.

Forty-seven percent of Canadians agreed with the statement: I don’t know what to do if I think that my personal information is part of a privacy breach. In contrast, slightly more than one-third (37%) feel that they do know what to do if they think their personal information has been part of a privacy breach.

Canadians aged 55+ (49% versus 43% of those aged 35 to 54) and those with household incomes under $40,000 (53% versus 40% of those with incomes of $80,000 to just under $150,000 and 43% of those earning $150,000 and above) were more likely to agree that they don’t know what to do if they think that their personal information is part of a privacy breach.

1.2 Confidence and Trust in Organizations to Protect Privacy

Four in 10 Canadians are confident that businesses respect their privacy rights

Four in 10 Canadians (40%) believe that businesses respect their privacy rights, while a similar proportion (42%) disagree. Trust in businesses increased from 38% in 2018 to 45% in 2020 but has remained steady since 2022. This year’s results align with the 2018 baseline.

Quebec residents (49%) were more likely to agree that businesses respect peoples’ privacy rights than those in British Columbia (35%). Agreement was also higher among those with a household income under $40,000 (53%) compared to those earning $80,000 to $149,999 (34%) or $150,000 and above (36%). Similarly, those who consider themselves very knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (54%) were more likely to agree than those who are somewhat knowledgeable (36%) or not knowledgeable (23%).

Six in 10 Canadians are confident that the federal government respects their privacy rights

Six in 10 Canadians (62%) believe that the Government of Canada respects their privacy rights. This represents a four-percentage point increase from 2022, when 58% of respondents agreed that the federal government in general respects their privacy rights. One-quarter (24%) disagreed, indicating that they do not feel that their privacy rights are respected by the Government of Canada.

Agreement that the Government of Canada respects the privacy rights of individuals was highest among those in Quebec (80%).

Majority trust law enforcement and banks to protect their personal information; limited trust in other organizations

When asked to rate their level of trust in various organizations, eight in 10 Canadians (80%) said that they have at least a fair amount of trust in law enforcement agencies like police and border officers to protect the personal information they share with them. A similar proportion (77%) said that they have at least a fair amount of trust in banks and financial institutions.

Fewer than half (42%) indicated that they have a fair amount or a great deal of trust in telecommunications companies and internet service providers, while smaller proportions reported some level of trust in retailers (37%) and “Big Tech” (28%). Canadians expressed the lowest level of trust in the ability of social media companies to protect their personal information – 12% have a fair amount or a great deal of trust and 86% have not much or no trust at all.

Trust in law enforcement (87%) and telecom/internet providers (50%) was higher in Quebec than in other regions. Canadians aged 65+ were more likely to trust retailers (45%), while Canadians under 35 were more likely to trust “Big Tech” (43% of 16–24-year-olds and 34% of 25–34-year-olds). Trust in “Big Tech” (38%) and social media companies (20%) was higher among members of racialized populations. Those who feel knowledgeable about protecting their privacy were more likely to trust law enforcement (84%), telecom/internet providers (48%), “Big Tech” (35%), and social media (18%).

Since 2022, trust in law enforcement has increased slightly (from 75% to 80% in 2024), while trust in “Big Tech” continues to decline (from 39% in 2020 to 34% in 2022 and 28% this year). Canadians’ perceptions in other areas have remained stable.

1.3 Privacy Concerns

Strong majorities concerned about their privacy in certain situations

New this year, Canadians were asked whether they are concerned about their privacy in different situations or using specific technologies. While concern levels vary, most Canadians are at least somewhat concerned about their privacy. Approximately one-third are extremely concerned about privacy when using AI tools (34%) and social media (32%). About one-quarter feel the same about providing personal information or biometrics (28%) and using internet-connected devices related to things like smart homes or smart car technology (25%). Additionally, 23% are extremely concerned about their online activities, and 21% about their smartphone.

Those who indicated that they were very concerned about the protection of their personal privacy were more likely to be very concerned about their privacy in each of these areas. The only other consistent pattern related to age. The youngest Canadians (16–24-year-olds) were less likely to be very concerned about using social media (28%) and AI tools (32%), biometrics (25%), and their smartphone (18%) and other connected devices (21%).

Widespread concern about personal information being used to create profiles

Nine in 10 Canadians (91%) are at least somewhat concerned about their personal information being used to create marketing profiles based on their interests and traits, including 43% who are extremely concerned. Concern over this issue has remained consistent over time.^{Footnote 3}

Canadians aged 55+ were more likely than younger Canadians to express concern about their personal information being used to create a profile of their interests and personal traits for marketing purposes. The likelihood of expressing concern increased with age, from 47% of 16- to 24-year-olds, to 56% of 25- to 34-year-olds, to 59% of 35- to 54-year-olds, to 66% of those 55 and older. Additionally, concern was higher among those with a college (63%) or university (62%) education and those who are very concerned about the protection of their personal privacy (71%).

Majority are concerned about personal information being used to make decisions about them

Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Canadians are at least somewhat concerned about their personal information being used to make decisions about them, such as for a job, an insurance claim, a loan, or health coverage. Concern in this area has been stable since 2018, although there has been a small increase this year in the proportion of Canadians who are extremely concerned (32% in 2024 compared to 28% in 2022).^{Footnote 4}

The likelihood of expressing concern (scores of six and seven on the seven-point scale) about their personal information being used for decision-making increased with age, from 37% of 16- to 24-year-olds to 53% of those 55 and older. Concern was also higher among those with a college (52%) or university (52%) education and those who are very concerned about their personal privacy (60%).

Most are concerned about identity theft

Nine in 10 Canadians (91%) expressed some level of concern about their personal information being used to attempt to steal their identity, including 54% who said that they are extremely concerned about identity theft. Concern about identity theft has been stable since 2018, although there was an increase this year in the proportion of Canadians who are extremely concerned (54% in 2024 compared to 47% in 2022). Extreme concern is now at its highest since tracking of this issue began in 2018.^{Footnote 5}

The likelihood of expressing concern (scores of six and seven) about their personal information being used to attempt to steal their identity increased with age, from 59% of 16- to 24-year-olds, to 64% of 25- to 34-year-olds, to 68% of 35- to 54-year-olds, to 75% of those 55 and older. Those with a college (73%) or university (71%) education and Canadians very concerned about their personal privacy (79%) were also more likely to express concern about identity theft. Regionally, concern was higher in Quebec (72%), Ontario (72%), British Columbia (70%) and Atlantic Canada (70%) than it was in the Prairies (60%).

The vast majority are concerned about personal information being sold or shared with other companies or organizations

Ninety-two percent of Canadians expressed some level of concern about their personal information being sold or shared with other companies or organizations. Half (51%) are extremely concerned, more than double the 23% who are somewhat concerned. Just 6% are not concerned about the selling or sharing of their personal information.

Canadians aged 35+ (72% of 35- to 54-year-olds and 75% of those aged 55+), women (73%), college (73%) and university (71%) graduates, Canadians with a disability (79%), and those very concerned about privacy protection (78%) were more likely to be concerned (scores of six and seven) about the selling or sharing of their personal information.

Most are concerned about personal information being used to train AI systems

Almost nine in 10 (88%) Canadians have some level of concern about their personal information being used to train AI systems, including 42% who are extremely concerned. Just 11% are not concerned about their personal information being used to train AI systems.

Concern about their personal information being used to train AI systems increased with age, from 28% of 16- to 24-year-olds, to 48% of 25- to 34-year-olds, to 60% of 35- to 54-year-olds, to 65% of those 55 and older. Additionally, Canadians very concerned about the protection of their privacy were more likely to express concern about AI systems and personal information (68%).

1.4 Breaches, Protecting Privacy and Privacy Policies

Nearly half of those surveyed have been impacted by a privacy breach

Approximately four in 10 Canadians (43%) said that they have been affected by a privacy breach. College (42%) and university (48%) graduates, Indigenous Peoples (57%), and Canadians very concerned about the protection of their privacy (47%) were more likely to have been affected by a breach. Additionally, the likelihood of having been impacted generally increased with household income, from 31% of those with incomes under $40,000, to 48% of those with household incomes of $150,000 or above.

Fifty-five percent of surveyed Canadians said that they have not been impacted by a privacy breach. Regionally, residents of Quebec (60%) were more likely than residents of Atlantic Canada (50%) and Ontario (52%) to have not been impacted by a privacy breach.

Most Canadians have taken action to protect their privacy

Nine in 10 (92%) Canadians have taken at least one action to protect their personal information. More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents have refused to provide an organization or business their personal information due to privacy concerns, while exactly three-quarters (75%) have adjusted their privacy settings on a social media account. Following this, two-thirds (67%) have adjusted privacy settings for other online or mobile app accounts. Additionally, just over half (52%) have deleted or stopped using an account because of privacy concerns, and 41% have stopped doing business with a company that experienced a privacy breach.

The only noteworthy change since 2022 is the proportion of Canadians refusing to provide their personal information, which has increased from 74% in 2022 to 78% in 2024.

The strongest trend related to age and overall privacy concern. Canadians aged 65+ were less likely than younger Canadians to adjust privacy settings on social media (51%) or other online/mobile apps (43%), delete or stop using an account (47%), refuse to provide personal information (72%), or stop doing business with a company after a privacy breach (34%). Those who were very concerned about their privacy were more likely to take all these actions.

The majority of Canadians find privacy policies difficult to understand

Seven in 10 (71%) surveyed Canadians find it somewhat (42%) or very (29%) difficult to understand privacy policies. In contrast, a little more than one-quarter do not: 19% find it somewhat easy and 9% very easy.

Canadians 16- to 24-years of age (52%), those who are part of a racialized community (39%) and those who are very knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (40%) were more likely to find privacy policies easy to understand.

Five in 10 Canadians find it difficult to change the privacy settings of their online accounts

Just over half of those surveyed said it was somewhat (35%) or very (18%) difficult to change privacy settings on social media, mobile apps, or other types of online accounts. Conversely, 45% found it somewhat or very easy.

Canadians aged 16- to 24-year (68%), Indigenous Peoples (60%), and those who are part of a racialized community (52%) were more likely to find it easy to change privacy settings.

1.5 Attitudes on Information Sharing

Three-quarters of Canadians are less willing to share personal information than they were five years ago

Compared to five years ago, three-quarters of those surveyed said that they are somewhat less (28%) or much less (47%) willing to share their personal information with organizations. Most of the rest (20%) said that their willingness to share their personal information is about the same now as it was five years ago. Few respondents (5%) are more willing to share their personal information with organizations.

Eighty-four percent of Quebec residents are less likely to share their personal information, compared to 74% in Ontario, 70% in the Prairies, and 67% in British Columbia. Willingness to share personal information decreased with age, from 80% of those aged 55 and over to 60% of 16- to 24-year-olds. Canadians concerned about privacy protection and those unfamiliar with how to protect their privacy were also less willing to share their information.

Attitudes towards sharing personal information varied among Canadians

Two-thirds (67%) of Canadians do not know where the personal information that they share online goes, or how it is used. Meanwhile, half (50%) often feel tricked or pressured into giving more personal information than they think is needed to set up an online account, while 43% do not find it easy to delete an online account. That said, fewer respondents are more likely to give extra personal information to get a deal or save money (21%) or in response to pop-ups from websites or apps asking them to do something (14%).

1.6 Awareness of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and Use of Privacy Resources

One-quarter of Canadians are aware of federal privacy institutions

Twenty-six percent of Canadians said that they are aware of federal institutions that help Canadians deal with privacy and the protection of personal information. The majority (72%) are not aware. Awareness levels have not changed significantly since 2022.

Awareness of federal privacy institutions was lower in Quebec (15%) while it was higher among university graduates (34%) and Canadians who consider themselves to be very knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (36%).

Half are aware of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

When asked if they have heard of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, respondents were evenly split with half being aware and half not aware.

Awareness of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada was lower in Quebec (43%), among those who identify as part of a racialized community (32%), Indigenous Peoples (37%), those who with a high school diploma or less education (35%), those not concerned about their privacy (32%), and those not knowledgeable about how to protect their privacy (36%). Additionally, as age increased the likelihood of being aware of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada increased, from 23% of 16- to 24-year-olds, to 65% of those aged 65 and over.

Few Canadians have used the OPC’s privacy resources

When asked if they had ever accessed resources, guidance, or other privacy-related information from the OPC, only 8% of Canadians said that they had. In contrast, 91% reported that they had not.

Nine in 10 Canadians have not made a privacy complaint

The vast majority of Canadians (93%) have never made a privacy complaint about a business or government institution, while 7% have done so.

Businesses were the primary institutions that complaints were filed against

Among those who made a privacy complaint (n=106), close to half (44%) filed a formal complaint with a business and approximately one-quarter (23%) did so with a government institution. Eleven percent said that they filed a complaint with a regulatory agency and 8% with the police.

1.7 Communications-related Issues

Canadians are interested in receiving more information on a variety of privacy topics

Canadians were asked which privacy topics they would like more information on. The most common responses were privacy risks and protecting personal information (28%) and online privacy protection (27%). Additionally, 20% wanted information on preventing identity theft and fraud, 17% on what to do if their personal information is exposed in a cyberattack or data breach, and 15% on steps to take if they believe a business or government institution has violated their privacy.

Other topics were mentioned in smaller proportions, as shown in Figure 28, while the largest single proportion (36%) were unsure which topics interested them.

Canadians who identify as a member a racialized community (35%) and those who are very concerned about privacy protection (30%) are more likely to be interested in information on privacy risks and protecting your personal information. Interest in information on protecting privacy online was higher among women (30%), university graduates (32% compared to 20% of those with high school or less education), and Canadians who are very (29%) or somewhat (27%) concerned about their personal privacy.

Most Canadians find privacy information through an internet search

Most Canadians (82%) would conduct an internet search when they need information on a specific topic. Other methods of finding information were mentioned in much smaller proportions as shown in Figure 29.

Canadians aged 65+ (69%) and those with a disability (69%) were less likely to find information through their own internet search.

2. Online Survey

This section presents the findings from an online survey of parents and teachers, with responses from 302 parents and 109 teachers.

2.1 Parents

2.1.1 Concerns and Views on Risks

The vast majority of parents worry about their children’s^{Footnote 6} online privacy. In fact, two-thirds or more are moderately to extremely concerned, with 45% highly concerned (scores of very and extremely) about risks to their child from the use or misuse of their personal information. Additionally, 42% are highly concerned about the volume of personal information companies collect about their children, 41% about their children’s use of websites or apps intended for adults, and 37% about the volume of personal information their children share online.

Parents were asked to respond to each of these statements based on whether they have a child aged 6-12, or a teen aged 13-17. Those with a child in both cohorts were randomly assigned to respond on behalf of their child or teen. The proportion of parents very or extremely concerned breaks out as follows:

• 35% of parents are concerned about the amount of personal information companies collect about their child and 47% are concerned about the amount collected about their teen
• 31% of parents are concerned about the amount of personal information their child is sharing online, while 40% are concerned about the amount that is being shared by their teen
• 45% of parents are concerned about their child using websites and mobile apps meant for adults and 39% are concerned about their teen using these sites and apps
• 41% of parents are concerned about the potential risks to their child from the use or misuse of their personal information, and 47% are concerned about the risks for their teen

Just over half (55%) of parents think that their child is at least moderately aware of the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online, while 79% of parents think this about their teen.

2.1.2 Responsibility for Protecting their Child’s Privacy

Three quarters of parents (74%) see themselves as primarily responsible for protecting the privacy of children and teenagers. This was followed by companies (13%), government (6%), and children and teenagers themselves (4%).

Parents not only see themselves as responsible for protecting the privacy of children and teenagers, but most feel very or extremely responsible for guiding their child (92%) and teen (84%) in making safe online choices.

2.1.3 Parental Involvement

Most parents believe that they should be involved in their child’s (90%) and teen’s (74%) online activities, such as setting up email, social media, or other accounts.

Nine in 10 parents (92%) reported having discussed the protection of personal information with their teen and three-quarters (75%) have done so with their child.

Two-thirds of parents rated themselves as very or extremely capable of discussing personal information protection with their child (68%) or teen (65%).

Parents who have not discussed the protection of personal information with their child or teen (n=61)^{Footnote 7} see themselves as moderately (27%) to highly capable (58%) in this area.

Nearly half (45%) of parents said that they discuss privacy and the protection of personal information with their child/teen at least once a month, while an additional 13% said that they do so weekly. Meanwhile, 33% have these conversations two to three times a year, and 9% do so once a year or less. The frequency of discussing the protection of personal information was similar between age cohorts: 59% of parents with 6- to 12-year-olds said that they discuss this monthly or weekly and 57% of parents with 12- to 17-year-olds said the same.

Parents who have discussed privacy and the protection of personal information with their child or teen (n=252) have covered a variety of topics. Sixty-eight percent have discussed online scams, 63% oversharing information online, 62% cyberbullying, online impersonation, and snooping, and 61% privacy on social media. The full list of topics can be found in Figure 38.

2.1.4 Views on Businesses and their Child’s Privacy

Almost half of parents (45%) do not have much trust in companies to protect the personal information of young people, while an additional 29% reported having no trust at all.

2.1.5 Views on Privacy Practices and Parental Controls

Most parents consider the privacy practices of different services at least some of the time before allowing their child or teen to use them.

For the following services, the percentage of parents who said that they always consider privacy practices differed based on whether they parent a child or teen:

• 50% of parents always consider the privacy practices of websites before letting their child use them, while 37% of parents of teens said the same.
• 47% of parents always consider the privacy practices of mobile apps before letting their child use them, while 41% of parents of teens said the same
• 46% of parents always consider the privacy practices of gaming platforms before letting their child use them, while 37% of parents of teens said the same
• 30% of parents always consider the privacy practices of educational platforms before letting their child use them, while 28% of parents of teens said the same
• 42% of parents always consider the privacy practices of smartphones before letting their child use them, while 38% of parents of teens said the same

Almost half of parents (45%) sometimes apply parental controls where available, while 35% do so always.

Among those who never apply parental controls (n=63), the top reason was not liking them (29%).

2.1.6 Awareness of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and Use of Resources

Relatively few parents (18%) are aware of any programs or resources that teach kids or teens about data privacy and safe online practices.

Seven percent of parents are aware of federal institutions that help Canadians deal with privacy and the protection of personal information. Significantly more (39%) are aware of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

The vast majority of parents have not used any of the OPC’s resources.

2.1.7 Information Needs

As shown in Figure 46, parents would find a variety of topics helpful.

Six in ten parents (64%) reported using an online search engine such as Google to find information on a parenting topic. Moreover, 46% said they ask friends or family members, while 38% visit a website that they believe might have the information they are looking for.

2.2 Teachers

2.2.1 Grades Taught

Figure 48 shows the grades taught by the teachers included in the survey sample.

2.2.2 Concerns and Views on Risks

The majority of teachers have concerns about their students’ online activities.

Few teachers (19%) think students understand the long-term consequences of posting material online.

Underscoring the fact that most teachers surveyed do not think their students understand the consequences of posting material online, fewer than half (35%) think that their students are at least moderately capable of protecting their privacy online.

2.2.3 Responsibility for Protecting Children’s Privacy

Nearly two-thirds of teachers (64%) believe parents are primarily responsible for protecting children’s privacy, while only 3% see educators as the most responsible. The full set of rankings are shown in Figure 52.

2.2.4 Personal Privacy and the Classroom

Three-quarters (74%) of the teachers surveyed have discussed privacy and the protection of personal information with their students.

The vast majority of teachers surveyed who discussed privacy and protection of personal information with their students (n=81) felt at least moderately capable of doing so. Roughly half (48%) felt moderately capable, while four in 10 felt very (31%) or extremely (10%) capable.

Among the teachers who discussed privacy and protection of personal information with students (n=81), the majority (59%) do so when it fits naturally into classroom discussions. Additionally, 46% use teaching materials, 41% invite experts, and 35% cover it as part of a specific unit.

Among teachers who have discussed privacy and personal information with their students (n=81), 75% have addressed cyberbullying, online impersonation or snooping, 64% have covered privacy on social media, and over half have discussed oversharing information (56%), webcam use (54%), and online scams (53%). For the full list of topics, see Figure 56.

Among teachers who did not discuss privacy and the protection of personal information with their students (n=28), most felt moderately or very capable of doing so. The main reason for not covering the topic was that it is not part of the curriculum. A few cited a lack of comfort, lack of knowledge, or insufficient teaching resources. Other reasons, mentioned by a very small number, included the topic not coming up in class and being seen as not important.

2.2.5 Awareness and Use of Resources in the Classroom

Three in 10 (31%) teachers are aware of programs and resources that teach children or teens about privacy and safe online practices.

Almost six in 10 (57%) surveyed teachers said that they review the privacy practices of educational apps, websites, or web-connected devices before using them in their classroom.

Among the teachers who do not review privacy practices (n=47), 36% said it is the school board’s or principal’s responsibility, 26% do not use these resources in their classroom, and 4% lack the time to review them. Additionally, 32% gave no reason for not reviewing the privacy practices of these classroom resources.

2.2.6 Awareness of federal institutions that help Canadians deal with privacy

Roughly three in 10 (28%) teachers surveyed are aware of federal institutions that help Canadians deal with privacy and the protection of personal information.

The vast majority of teachers have not used any of the OPC’s resources.

2.2.7 Information Needs

Surveyed teachers pointed to a variety of resources that they would find helpful as teachers, as shown in Figure 62.

Teachers use a wide range of different sources for teaching materials, including online search tools (56%), their school board (50%), their professional organization or association (49%), and friends, colleagues or family members (47%). The complete list of sources can be found in Figure 63.

Short 1-2-minute videos are the format preferred by the single greatest proportion of surveyed teachers—57%. Following this, 46% prefer classroom activities, 42% infographics and 41% fully crafted lesson plans. See Figure 64 for the full list of formats preferred for teaching resources.

1. Technical Specifications

1.1 Telephone Survey

The following specifications applied to this survey:

• A 19-minute random digit dialling (RDD) telephone survey was administered to 1,500 Canadian residents, 16 years of age or older, between February 10 and March 3, 2025. Based on a sample of this size, the overall results can be considered accurate within ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The margin of error is greater for results pertaining to subgroups of the total sample.
• The questionnaire was pre-tested in advance of the fieldwork to ensure that it measured what it intended to measure and that respondents understood the questions. Following the pre-test, several changes were made to the questionnaire to reduce the average length of the interview. Changes included the removal of questions, the use of split samples, and minor wording revisions.
• An overlapping dual-frame (landline and cell phone) sample was used to minimize coverage error: 600 interviews were completed using the landline sample and 900 interviews were completed using the cell phone sample. The same random selection process was used for both the landline and cell phone sample, thereby ensuring the integrity of the probability sample.
• The sample frame was geographically disproportionate to improve the accuracy of regional results. The distribution of completed surveys is presented in the bullet below.
• A minimum of five call attempts were made before a record was retired or replaced. These call attempts varied by day of the week and time of day over a minimum seven-day period. No calling was conducted after 9 pm in each time zone, and no attempt was made to call back refusals.
• Interviews were conducted in the respondents’ official language of choice: 1,160 interviews were completed in English and 340 in French.
• The following table presents information about the final call dispositions for this survey and calculation of the response rate:
  

  Final call dispositions for this survey and calculation of the response rate	Total	Landline	Cell
  Total Numbers Attempted	115,310	22,110	93,200
  Out-of-scope - Invalid	69,946	10,649	59,297
  Unresolved (U)	27,562	6,023	21,539
  No answer/Answering machine	27,562	6,023	21,539
  In-scope - Non-responding (IS)	16,169	4,813	11,356
  Language barrier	353	100	253
  Incapable of completing (ill/deceased)	145	85	60
  Callback (Respondent not available)	1,285	290	995
  Refusal	13,816	4,201	9,615
  Termination	570	137	433
  In-scope - Responding units (R)	1,633	625	1,008
  Completed Interview	1,500	600	900
  Not Qualified – Employment exclusions	21	0	21
  Not Qualified – Age	50	7	43
  Quota Filled	62	18	44

• The overall response rate was 4% (5% for the landline sample and 3% for the cell phone sample). The response rate formula is calculated as follows: [R=R/(U+IS+R)]. This means that the response rate is calculated as the number of responding units [R] divided by the number of unresolved [U] numbers plus in-scope [IS] non-responding households and individuals plus responding units [R].
• The survey data have been weighted by region, age, and gender using population figures from Statistics Canada’s 2021 census data. The weights correct for the disproportionate regional sampling. Any respondents who refused to provide their age were given a neutral weight so as not to skew the weighting proportions. The table below shows the unweighted and weighted proportions for the variables used to create the weights:
  

  Base	Unweighted n=1,500	Weighted n=1,500
  Region
  Atlantic Canada	200	104
  Quebec	350	340
  Ontario	400	576
  Prairies *	350	267
  British Columbia **	200	212
  Age
  16 to 24	80	185
  25 to 34	142	236
  35 to 54	377	461
  55 or older	866	582
  Refused	35	35
  Gender
  Woman	730	754
  Man	760	736
  Another gender/non-binary	10	10
  * Includes Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
  ** Includes the Yukon Territory.

• A non-response analysis was conducted to assess the potential for non-response bias. Survey non-response can bias results when there are systematic differences between survey respondents and non-respondents. The survey sample (the unweighted percentages in the tables above) very closely mirrors the distribution of the population by gender and region (the weighted percentages in the tables above). Differences are evident for age, however, which is often the case for surveys of the general public—specifically, the survey underrepresented 16- to 34-year-olds. This was corrected by weighting.

1.2 Online Survey

The following specifications applied to this survey:

• An online survey was administered to 411 online panellists who met the eligibility requirements.
• The survey sample was drawn from the Leger Opinion panel (LEO). Surveys that use samples drawn from online panels cannot be described as statistically projectable to the target population.
• Panellists were invited to participate in the survey through an email invitation which contained a password-protected URL to access the survey.
• All survey respondents were informed that their participation was voluntary, and that information collected was protected under the authority of privacy legislation.
• Sponsorship of the study was revealed (i.e., the Government of Canada).
• Panellists were rewarded for taking part in the survey per the panel’s incentive program, which is structured to reflect the length of survey and the nature of the sample.
• The survey averaged eight minutes to complete, and the fieldwork was conducted February 25 to 28, 2025.
• The survey questionnaire was programmed using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) technology. The programming was tested for skip logic by the initial programmer, as well as by a second senior programmer.
• Following survey best practices, the questionnaire was pre-tested in advance of the fieldwork. No issues were identified during the pre-test.
• The parents survey data were weighted by region and gender to reflect the population, using 2021 Census data. The teachers survey data were not weighted.
• The participation rate was 11%, calculated using the formula outlined in the Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research (Online Surveys).
  

  Participation Rate = R/(U+IS+R)	Sample
  Total Sample Used	5,142
  Unresolved (U)	2
  Undeliverable email invitations	2
  In-scope non-responding units (IS)	4,579
  Respondent break-off	57
  Did not complete / accept the invitation to participate	4,522
  Responding units (R)	561
  Completed survey	411
  Disqualified	60
  Over quota	33
  Participation Rate = R/(U+IS+R)	11%

2. Survey Questionnaire – Telephone

Introduction

Hello / Bonjour (pause), the Government of Canada is conducting a research survey on issues of interest to Canadians. Would you prefer that I continue in English or French? Préférez-vous continuer en français ou en anglais?

My name is [Interviewer’s name]. I’m calling on behalf of Phoenix SPI, a public opinion research company. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes. Should you have any questions about the survey, I can give you a contact person within the Government of Canada.* Your participation is voluntary and confidential. Your answers will remain anonymous, and the information you provide will be administered according to the requirements of Canada’s privacy laws. May I continue?

*[IF NEEDED, PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING: communications@priv.gc.ca or OPC Information Centre 1-800-282-1376.]

[LANDLINE SAMPLE]

A. We choose telephone numbers at random and then select one person from each household to be interviewed. To do this, we would like to speak to the person in your household, 16 years of age or older, who has had the most recent birthday. Would that be you?

[CELL SAMPLE]

B. Are you 16 years of age or older?

C. Are you in a place where you can talk safely on the phone and answer my questions?

D. We would like to conduct this interview with you when it is safe and convenient to do. When would it be more convenient for me to call back?

SCHEDULE CALL-BACK IF POSSIBLE (TIME/DAY):
[EVERYONE]

E. Do you work in any of the following areas? [READ LIST]

THANK/DISCONTINUE IF ANY OF THE ABOVE

THANK/DISCONTINUE MESSAGE: “Thank you for your willingness to take part in this survey, but you do not meet the eligibility requirements of this study.”

F. In which province or territory do you live?

G. Do you identify as a person with a disability?

PROGRAMMING NOTES:

• Accept Don’t know and Refused for all questions if volunteered by a respondent.
• Record Don’t know and Refused separately for all questions.
• For questions about the legitimacy of the survey, invite the respondents to use the Canadian Research Insights Council’s Research Verification Service. PROJECT NUMBER: 20250114-PH449.

Knowledge and Trust

Many of the questions in this survey are about privacy and the protection of personal information. Personal information can include things like your name, income, and email address, as well as information like your purchasing habits, and online activities.

1. In general, are you concerned about the protection of your privacy? Please use a scale of 1 to 7, where ‘1’ means not concerned at all, and ‘7’ means extremely concerned. [Yearly TRACKING-MODIFIED in 2020]

2. Using a scale of 1 to 7, where ‘1’ means very poor and ‘7’ means very good, how would you rate your knowledge of the following… [DRR TRACKING]

[READ/ROTATE]

3. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with the following statements. To do so, use another 7-point scale, this time where ‘1’ means you strongly disagree and ‘7’ means you strongly agree. [DRR TRACKING]

[READ/ROTATE]

4. How much trust do you have in the following organizations to protect the personal information you share with them? Do you have a great deal of trust, a fair amount of trust, not much trust, or no trust at all in… [READ/ROTATE ITEMS]? [YEARLY TRACKING]

Privacy Concerns

These next questions deal with issues related to online privacy and privacy on mobile devices.

[IF RESPONDENTS VOLUNTEER THAT THEY DO NOT USE THE INTERNET OR HAVE A MOBILE DEVICE, RECORD THIS AND THEN SKIP TO Q7]

5. Are you concerned about your privacy with respect to the following… [READ ITEM]. Please use a scale from 1 to 7, where ‘1’ means not concerned at all, and ‘7’ means extremely concerned.: [ROTATE ITEMS; ACCEPT DOES NOT APPLY IF VOLUNTEERED

6. [INTERNET USERS] Thinking about the personal information available about you online, and in smart devices, please tell me whether you’re concerned about each of the following happening. REPEAT SCALE IF NEEDED. How about…

[READ/ROTATE]

Privacy experiences and actions to protect privacy

7. The following questions focus on actions you may have taken when it comes to your personal information. Have you:… ? [ROTATE ITEMS; RECORD YES/NO; ACCEPT DOES NOT APPLY IF VOLUNTEERED.] [DRR TRACKING]

8. [INTERNET USERS] Would you say it is very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult or very difficult to [READ ITEM]? [ROTATE ITEMS; ACCEPT DOES NOT APPLY IF VOLUNTEERED] [NEW]

9. [ALL] Have you been impacted by a privacy breach? [MODIFIED; 2024/25]

10. [ALL] Compared to five years ago, how willing are you to share your personal information with organizations? Are you [READ]… [NEW]

11. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with the following statements. To do so, use a 7-point scale, where ‘1’ means you strongly disagree and ‘7’ means you strongly agree. [ROTATE ITEMS] [NEW]

Awareness of OPC and how its resources might be made more useful for Canadians

12. Are you aware of any federal institutions that help Canadians deal with concerns relating to the protection of personal information?

13. Have you ever heard of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada? [NEW]

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, or the OPC, enforces Canada’s federal privacy laws in both the private and public sectors.

14. Have you ever obtained resources, guidance or other information about privacy from the OPC? [NEW]

15. Have you ever made a privacy complaint about a business or government institution? [NEW]

16. [IF Q15=01] Was this a formal complaint filed with a: [ROTATE ITEMS; RECORD YES/NO] [NEW]

17. The OPC produces resources for Canadians on how they can protect their privacy. What privacy topics would you like to have more information on? [DO NOT READ; ACCEPT MULTIPLE RESPONSES]. [NEW]

18. When you need information on a specific topic, what do you typically do to find it? INTERVIEWER: IF PROMPTING IS NEEDED, SAY: Where or how would you look for this information? [DO NOT READ; ACCEPT MULTIPLE RESPONSES]. [NEW]

19. [IF SCREENING QG=01] The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, or the OPC, wants to improve the accessibility of its online resources and services. Do you have any advice or suggestions to share with the OPC to make resources and services more accessible? [NEW]

Demographics

The last few questions are for classification purposes only. Your answers will remain anonymous and confidential.

20. In what year were you born?

21. [ASK IF Q21=02] Would you be willing to tell me in which of the following age categories you belong? Please stop me at the category that best describes you… [READ]

22. How do you identify your gender? [READ; STOP WHEN A SELECTION IS MADE]

23. What language do you speak most often at home? [READ; ACCEPT MULTIPLE RESPONSES]

24. Are you First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

25. [SKIP IF Q24=01] Do you identify with a racialized population group? Racialized groups include, among others, South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Arab, Latin American, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese. [NEW]

26. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed? Please stop me at the category that best describes you… [READ LIST]

27. Which of the following best describes your total household income last year, before taxes, from all sources for all household members? [READ LIST] [NEW]

That concludes the survey. Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback. It is much appreciated. This survey was conducted on behalf of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

3. Survey Questionnaire – Online

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this short survey being conducted by Phoenix Strategic Perspectives (Phoenix SPI) on behalf of the Government of Canada. Si vous préférez répondre au sondage en français, veuillez cliquer sur « Français » dans le coin supérieur droit.

This survey is designed to collect information on issues of importance to Canadians. It should take no more than 7 minutes to complete, is voluntary, and your responses will be kept completely confidential. The information provided will be administered according to the requirements of the Privacy Act. Your responses will not be used to identify you, and none of your opinions will be attributed to you personally in any way. To view Phoenix SPI’s privacy policy, click <here>.

This survey is registered with the Canadian Research Insights Council’s Research Verification Service. The project verification code is 20250114-PH449. Click <here> to verify the legitimacy of this survey.

Screener

1. Are you…

2. Which of the following age groups do you fall into?

3. PARENTS: Where are you located? / TEACHERS: In which province or territory do you teach?

4. For the purposes of this survey, will you please provide your gender?

5. [PARENT] How many children between the ages of 6 and 17 live at home with you, whether full- or part-time?

6. For each child between the ages of 6 and 17, please indicate their age and gender:

PROGRAMMING NOTE: The number of rows provided will match the number of children identified in Q5.

7. [TEACHER] Which of the following applies to you?

[ALLOW MULTIPLE RESPONSES]

Questions for Parents

PROGRAMMING NOTE: If a respondent has a “child” and a “teen”, randomly assign them to one cohort: Child (6 to 12 years of age) or Teen (13-17 years of age).

Throughout this survey, “child” will be used to refer to children between ages of 6 and 12 and “teens” will refer to children 13 to 17 years of age.

8. Thinking about your child’s (children’s) / teen’s (teens’) online activities, are you concerned about the following:

[ROTATE]

[RESPONSE OPTIONS]

9. How aware do you think your child (children) / teen(s) is of the potential risks of sharing their personal information? For example, sharing it online, with mobile apps, on social media, on gaming platforms or with businesses.

10. Who should be most responsible for protecting the privacy of children and teenagers? Please rank the options from most to least responsible.

[ROTATE]

11. How responsible do you feel as a parent for guiding your child (children) / teen(s) in making safe online decisions and protecting their privacy?

12. Should parents be involved in their child(dren’s) / teen(s’) online activities, such as setting up an email, social media or other online account?

13. [IF Q12=03] You said it depends when asked if you should be involved before your child (children) / teen(s) opens an online account. What does it depend on?

14. Have you ever discussed the protection of personal information with your child (children) / teen (s)?

15. [ASK IF Q14=01] How capable did you feel discussing the protection of personal information with your child (children) / teen (s)?

16. [ASK IF Q14=01] How often do you discuss privacy and the protection of personal information with your child (children) / teen (s)?

17. [ASK IF Q14=01] Which of the following topics have you discussed with your child (children) / teen (s)?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

18. [ASK IF Q14=02 or 03] How capable would you feel discussing the protection of their personal information online with them?

19. How much trust do you have in companies to protect the personal information of young people?

20. How often do you consider the privacy practices of the following services before allowing your child (children) / teen (teens) to use them?

[ROTATE]

[RESPONSE OPTIONS]

21. Do you apply parental controls where available, for instance on mobile devices, websites, mobile apps, streaming services, etc.?

22. [IF Q21=03] Why do you never apply parental controls?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

23. Do you know of any programs or resources that teach kids or teens about data privacy and safe online practices?

24. [ASK IF Q23=01] Please name the programs or resources you know about that teach kids or teens about data privacy and safe online practices:

25. Are you aware of any federal institutions that help Canadians deal with privacy and the protection of personal information?

26. [ASK IF Q25=01] Which federal institutions are you aware of that help Canadians deal with the privacy and protection of personal information?

27. Have you ever heard of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada?

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, or the OPC, enforces Canada’s federal privacy laws in both the private and public sectors.

28. Have you ever used resources from the OPC to do any of the following?

[ROTATE]

[RESPONSE OPTIONS]

29. The OPC produces resources for individuals on how they can protect their privacy. As a parent, which of the following resource topics would you find helpful?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

30. When you are trying to find information on a parenting topic, which of the following do you typically do?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

[PARENTS GO TO DEMOGRAPHICS]

Questions for Teachers

Throughout this survey, “child” will be used to refer to children between the ages of 6 and 12 and “teens” will refer to children 13 to 17 years of age.

31. What grades do you teach?

Select all that apply

32. Thinking about the typical students you work with, are you concerned about the following:

[ROTATE ITEMS]

[RESPONSE OPTIONS]

33. Do you think your students understand the potential long-term consequences of posting material online?

34. How capable do you think your students are at protecting their privacy online?

35. Who is most responsible for protecting the privacy of children and teenagers? Please rank the options from most to least responsible.

[ROTATE]

36. Have you ever discussed privacy and the protection of personal information with your students?

37. [ASK IF Q36=01] How capable did you feel discussing the privacy and protection of personal information with your students?

38. [ASK IF Q36=01] How do you discuss matters related to privacy and the protection of personal information with your students?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

39. [ASK IF Q36=01] Which of the following topics have been addressed in your classroom?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

40. [ASK IF Q36=02 or 03] How capable would you feel discussing the privacy and protection of personal information with your students?

41. [ASK IF Q36=02 or 03] Why haven’t you discussed privacy and the protection of personal information with your students?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

42. Do you know any programs or resources that teach children or teens about privacy and safe online practices?

43. [ASK IF Q42=01] Please name the programs or resources you know about that teach children or teens about safe data privacy practices:

44. Do you review the privacy practices of educational apps, websites, or web-connected devices before using them in your classroom?

45. [IF Q44=02] Why don’t you review the privacy practices of educational apps, websites, or web-connected devices before using them in your classroom?

46. Are you aware of any federal institutions that help Canadians deal with privacy and the protection of personal information?

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, or the OPC, enforces Canada’s privacy laws in both the private and public sectors.

47. Have you ever used resources from the OPC to do any of the following:

[ROTATE]

[RESPONSE OPTIONS]

48. The OPC produces resources for individuals on how they can protect their privacy. As a teacher, which of the following resources would you find helpful?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

49. Where are you most likely to go for teaching materials?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

50. What format do you prefer for your teaching resources for your students?

Select all that apply

[ROTATE]

Demographics

[ALL RESPONDENTS]

These last few questions are for background purposes. All responses will remain confidential.

51. What language do you speak most often at home?

Select all that apply

52. Are you First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

53. [SKIP IF Q52=01] Do you identify with a racialized population group? Racialized groups include, among others, South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Arab, Latin American, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese.

54. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

55. Which of the following best describes your total household income last year, before taxes, from all sources for all household members?

This completes the survey. On behalf of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, we thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.