Most business owners in Canada don’t think about privacy laws when everything is going well. And why should they? Sales are good, customers are happy, and the software works. And then—bam—something happens.
Perhaps your healthcare app leaks patient information. Maybe your bank’s mobile app is hacked. Or your e-commerce site experiences a payment breach during its busiest period. Suddenly, it’s not about profit anymore; it’s about angry customers and the need to restore your reputation.
I’ve seen it. More than once. And that’s why, if you work with any mobile app development company in Canada, you need to stop thinking that PIPEDA is a “legal law.” It’s not. It’s a thin wall between you and disaster.
PIPEDA, without the lawyer talk
PIPEDA stands for the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Yes, it’s a long text. It’s not very pleasant. But it provides your business with protection against privacy breaches.
If your app collects someone’s name, email, or phone number—can you believe it? This law covers you. Healthcare apps, banking apps, and online stores—the same law applies to all of them.
Here’s what’s important:
- People must genuinely agree with what you do with their data. No ulterior motives.
- Collect only what you need. And for a reason.
- Maintain data accuracy. Outdated information can be dangerous.
- Treat it as the core of your business. Because it is.
What happens if you don’t
The only fine? Up to $100,000 for each incident. But the real pain? Loss of trust.
A Canadian pharmacy chain leaked over 300,000 patient records. The fine was hefty, but the customers who left suffered even more. A credit union lost 50,000 members as a result of a hack of its mobile banking app—people didn’t just lose trust, they abandoned it entirely.
Once lost, trust cannot be regained.
Every industry’s worst fear
- Healthcare: Your software may be linked to hospital systems or medical equipment. One attack and you’re back to paper records, delaying treatment.
- Finance: Banking systems are a breeding ground for criminals. One weak spot, and multiple accounts can be emptied before the end of the day.
- E-commerce: Addresses, credit card numbers, and purchase history—all are valuable to hackers. If your payment processing system isn’t PCI DSS compliant, you’re already at risk.
What security should look like
Healthcare apps require full encryption, forced opt-outs, onboarding, and secure integration with hospitals.
Banking apps? AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, real-time fraud detection, and secure APIs.
E-commerce requires PCI DSS compliance, fraud-prevention tools, and monitoring, which create challenges from the outset.
Choosing a developer who won’t leave you exposed
The fact is, most development teams know how to “build apps,” but not every team understands the risks in your industry.
If you work in healthcare, your specialists need to be familiar with medical device integration and privacy regulations. Finance? They need knowledge of banking APIs and real-time transactions. Retail? They need to find a balance between personalisation and privacy.
Security isn’t just a shield—it’s a selling point.
Patients choose doctors they trust. Consumers choose banks that protect their money. Shoppers return to stores that protect their personal data.
If your app is clearly more secure than your competitors, you’re not just avoiding problems—you’re winning customers.
And the rules are only getting tighter.
The CPPA is on the way, with stricter licensing rules and tighter structure restrictions. Wait until it’s passed, and you’ll already be on the losing end.
So do your research now. Find experts who understand your industry. Ensure confidentiality from the start. Because when trust is money, losing is the one thing you can’t afford.