In this article, we will discuss the CRA Privacy Breach Class Action: Check Status, Notice of Clarification, and Who is Getting it. This lawsuit targets the federal government and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for allegedly failing to protect the confidential information of Canadians. Here’s everything you need to know.
CRA Privacy Breach Class Action Overview
Todd Sweet, a resident of British Columbia, is the representative plaintiff in this class action lawsuit against the CRA and the Canadian government. The case revolves around claims of widespread privacy breaches affecting Canadian citizens.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accuses the government of negligence in safeguarding confidential personal and financial information associated with various online government accounts, including CRA My Account and My Services Canada. Despite the government denying these allegations, the trial date is still pending. The CRA has issued a notice of certification to inform individuals of their rights and options regarding this class action lawsuit.
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What is the CRA Privacy Breach Class Action Lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges that the Federal Government and the CRA failed to protect the information of their users adequately. The plaintiff claims that due to inadequate safety measures, a bad actor could access confidential data through these online applications.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for the breach of privacy and credit services that could mitigate the harm caused. The Canadian government has denied all allegations, leaving it up to the federal court to decide the case’s outcome. The trial date will be set by a judge.
Check Status
Currently, the federal court is considering the certification application, which is a crucial step in the class action process. Individuals affected by this breach must register through the leading portal to receive periodic updates and instructions on the steps they need to take.
Affected individuals can request information related to their CRA My Account and My Services Canada accounts, accessed via GCKey. For more detailed information, visit the Privacy Breach Class Action portal. You can also contact them at (604) 682 3771 or email your queries to nbeauprefulton@rhelaw.com.
Notice of Clarification
Individuals who experienced a privacy breach between March 2020 and December 2020 will receive a Notice of Clarification. This notice will outline the compensation and legal rights available to those affected by the breach of their personal and financial information.
Past users of Canadian Government online accounts will be provided with a certain sum of compensation and legal rights as part of this notice, granted by the Federal Court of Canada against the defendants.
Who is Getting It?
The Clarification certificate will be granted to individuals who accessed government online applications, including My Service Account and My Canada Account, via GCKey between March 2020 and December 2020. This lawsuit seeks compensation for damage to credit ratings, mental distress, and costs associated with credit monitoring services.
The court is expected to order the Canadian government to compensate eligible individuals who opt for the class action. Non-opt individuals will not receive compensation, even if affected.
Conclusion
The CRA Privacy Breach Class Action is a significant legal battle that highlights the importance of protecting personal and financial information. As the case progresses, affected individuals are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary actions to ensure their rights are protected.