VANCOUVER — British Columbia's privacy office is calling on a medical clinic to immediately stop collecting video and audio of patients, employees and contractors because it is not legally authorized to do so.
Acting privacy commissioner Drew McArthur says an audit of the clinic in the Lower Mainland was the first of a private business in B.C. and began after a complaint was filed.
It has published its finding in a report detailing the examination of the clinic's privacy management program and video and audio surveillance in its lobby, hallways, back exits and fitness room.
McArthur says the doctor who owns the clinic told auditors that eight video cameras were installed to deter crime, but there was no evidence to suggest such a concern existed.
He says video cameras are used too frequently by private businesses to over collect personal information from people without their consent.
The office is calling on the clinic to provide a written update within three months about its implementation of 12 recommendations, including development of a policy on the use of personal information that is collected.
