Canada's privacy commissioner to launch investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne participates in a news conference on their investigation into Aylo, formerly MindGeek, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (Justin Ting/The Canadian Press)

Canada's privacy commissioner is launching an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The move comes after Philippe Dufresne's office received a complaint about the Montreal-based agency's handling of biological samples collected from athletes. 

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In a release, the office says the investigation will examine whether the collection, use, and disclosure practices of WADA comply with Canada's federal private-sector privacy law (known as PIPEDA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).

The investigation follows a complaint alleging that WADA has disclosed personal information to international sporting federations.

The complaint also alleges that the information is being used to assess athletes’ sex-based eligibility without their knowledge or consent, and for a purpose that would not be considered appropriate under the privacy law.

A message left with WADA was not immediately returned.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024