Digital Charter
Canada's Digital Charter
Canada's 10-principle framework for digital trust
Canada's Digital Charter establishes 10 principles that guide the government's approach to the digital economy, privacy, and AI. It is not a binding law on its own, but it underpins Bill C-27 (CPPA + AIDA) and informs regulatory guidance from the OPC and ISED. Aligning with the Digital Charter demonstrates leadership in digital trust.
Who must comply with Digital Charter?
The Digital Charter is voluntary for businesses, but it reflects the government's direction for future regulation. Organizations that operate in regulated sectors or seek federal procurement contracts are expected to demonstrate alignment.
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Key obligations under Digital Charter
Universal Access
Support policies that ensure Canadians have access to digital infrastructure and the skills to benefit from it.
Safety and Security
Build products and services that are safe by design and do not expose Canadians to unnecessary risk.
Control and Consent
Give individuals meaningful control over their data with clear, simple consent choices — not dark patterns.
Transparency
Be open and clear about how personal information is used, stored, and shared — especially in automated systems.
No Illegitimate Use
Personal data must not be used for purposes that undermine the rights of Canadians or democratic institutions.
Accountable AI
AI systems that affect people's lives must be explainable, bias-audited, and subject to human recourse.
Penalties & enforcement
Frameworks that often overlap with Digital Charter
Run a free Digital Charter gap assessment
Answer 47 questions, get a scored gap report, and see exactly what you need to do to comply with Digital Charter — in under 3 hours. Free forever.
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