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What Every Immigrant Should Know About Digital Rights and Responsibilities

June 3, 2025
3:31 pm

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Last Updated On 3 June 2025, 2:20 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Moving to Canada brings many new experiences and opportunities. One area that often gets overlooked is understanding your digital rights and responsibilities.

When you move to a new country like Canada, it’s important not just to know your rights in the workplace or as a resident, but also your rights online.

Many immigrants use the internet to stay in touch with their loved ones, look for jobs, learn new skills, and entertain themselves.

But few are fully aware of what they are allowed and not allowed to do in Canada’s digital space.

Digital rights refer to your rights and freedoms when you use digital tools and the internet. Canada takes these rights of digital privacy seriously. The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) protects your personal information. This law applies to private organizations that collect, use, or share your data.

Under PIPEDA, companies must get your consent before collecting your information. They can only use it for the purpose they stated. You have the right to know what information they have about you. You can also ask them to correct any mistakes.

Provincial laws also protect your privacy. Quebec has its privacy law. British Columbia and Alberta have similar rules for private businesses. These laws work together to keep your digital information safe.

Your email, social media posts, and online purchases are all protected. Companies cannot share this information without permission. If they break these rules, you can file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

The internet is also a place of fun, and you’ll find a lot of entertainment options in Canada. Streaming services, social media, and gaming are all popular. However, each comes with responsibilities and rules that you should know to steer clear of legal trouble.

Online gaming and entertainment platforms, including gambling sites, are a popular choice among immigrants. This is because casino games are universal, and you have likely been playing before coming over to Canada.

Many online gambling platforms offer generous welcome bonuses to entice first-timers, which is great as it allows players to explore the site before making big financial commitments.

As an immigrant, you can find a list of bonuses for Canadians to begin your exploration. Many of the bonuses are a combination of financial rewards and free spins. Others are time-specific or game-specific bonuses.

If you choose to engage in online gambling, make sure you understand the provincial laws in your area. Each province has different rules about online betting and gaming. Always verify that any platform you use is legally licensed in your province.

Social media platforms also have community guidelines. Breaking these rules can result in account suspension or deactivation. Most platforms prohibit hate speech and harassment, so be respectful in your posts and comments.

Also, few might not know this, but streaming copyrighted content like movies or series illegally is against the law. Use platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or CBC Gem. Some of these illegal streaming sites may contain malware that damages your computer.

Your digital rights at work are different from your personal rights. Employers can monitor work computers and email accounts. They can also track internet usage on company devices. However, they must tell you about this monitoring.

Many employers have digital policies. These explain what you can and cannot do online at work. Some block certain websites. Others limit personal email use. Read your company’s policy carefully.

Your personal devices at work have more protection. Employers usually cannot access your personal phone or laptop. However, if you connect to the company WiFi, they might see some of your activities.

Remote work creates new digital rights questions. If you work from home, the rules can be different. Your employer might monitor work software on your personal computer. Always ask about digital monitoring policies when starting a new job.

Digital scams target newcomers to Canada because of their naivety. Scammers are aware that immigrants might not understand local systems, so they use this to trick people into giving away money or personal information.

The most common scams include fake government emails. Real government agencies rarely ask for your personal information through email. They will also not ask for passwords, Social Insurance Numbers (SIN), or banking details online.

Romance scams are also very common. Someone contacts you through social media or dating sites. They build a relationship over time and then ask for money. Never send money to someone you have only met online.

Job scams target people looking for work. Fake employers ask for money up front under the guise of getting you a job. Real employers will never ask you to pay for a job opportunity.

To stay safe, verify everything. If someone claims to be from the government, call the agency involved directly. Use official phone numbers from government websites. Do not click links in suspicious emails.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides detailed and extensive information about current scams targeting Canadians and immigrants.

Canada’s digital economy offers a lot of opportunities for immigrants. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect workers with employers or clients worldwide. You can choose to offer services in your area of expertise.

However, working online has tax implications. The Canada Revenue Agency must have a report of all your income. This includes money earned from foreign clients, so it is important to keep records of all your online earnings for transparency purposes.

Some platforms require specific documentation, too. Depending on the platform or what you want to do, you might need a Social Insurance Number or business registration, depending. Do your research diligently.

Digital marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy also offer opportunities—you can sell products on these sites. Again, you must follow Canadian tax laws and business regulations.

Also, if you’re career-oriented, professional networking sites like LinkedIn can help build your career. Create a strong profile that showcases your skills and experience. Connect with professionals in your field. Many job opportunities start through online networking.

Canadian banks offer sophisticated online services. Mobile banking apps let you manage accounts, transfer money, and pay bills. These services are generally safe when used properly.

Always use official bank apps or websites. Type the web address directly into your browser. Do not click links in emails claiming to be from your bank. Banks usually do not ask for passwords or account numbers through email, especially when you do not contact them first.

Always try to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts when possible—it adds extra security. 2FA requires a second verification step after you’ve entered your password, and this verification is usually done through your phone. So, unless the intruder has gained access to your phone as well, you should be safe.

PayPal, Interac, e-Transfer, and Apple Pay are popular digital payment services. Each of these has different security features and fees. Understand how they work before using them for important transactions.

Cryptocurrency is legal in Canada, but it is highly regulated. If you buy or sell cryptocurrency, by law, you must report it on your taxes. The value changes quickly, so be careful with investments.

Canadian healthcare systems increasingly use digital tools. Electronic health records store your medical information. Telemedicine lets you speak with doctors online. Patient portals give you access to test results.

Your health information has special protection under privacy laws. Healthcare providers must keep this information secure. They can only share it with your consent or in specific legal situations.

Many health apps collect personal information. Read privacy policies carefully before using them. Some apps share data with third parties. This could affect your privacy or insurance coverage.

When using telemedicine services, ensure the platform is secure. Look for encryption and security certifications. Only use services approved by your healthcare provider.

In many Canadian classrooms today, you’ll find tablets, interactive whiteboards, and students logging into apps you’ve probably never heard of. Schools here rely heavily on digital platforms for everything, from homework assignments to parent-teacher communication.

While schools are required to protect student privacy and can’t share personal information without permission, some of the tools they use may still collect data about learning habits and performance.

If you’re an adult enrolled in an online course or distance learning program, you have digital rights too. These programs must also protect your personal information. Make sure you read privacy policies before enrolling in online programs.

There are several resources that can help if your digital rights are disregarded. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada investigates privacy complaints. This service is free and available in both official languages.

Complaints about provincial organizations are handled by Provincial privacy commissioners. They can investigate and make recommendations for resolving whatever privacy issues you may have.

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada offers comprehensive resources and guidance on privacy rights for individuals, including specific information for newcomers to Canada.

In each province, there are legal aid services that can provide advice about digital rights issues. Some even offer free consultations for low-income individuals. Contact your provincial law society for referrals to lawyers who specialize in privacy law.

In addition, the agency in charge of helping with online fraud and scams is the Consumer Protection Agency. They can provide advice and sometimes recover lost money.

Lastly, the Better Business Bureau tracks complaints about online businesses. Check companies’ ratings on their website before dealing with unfamiliar companies. They also provide dispute resolution services.

Technology moves fast. When you have a good understanding of technology, it goes a long way in protecting your rights. If you’re looking to build your digital literacy skills, some Libraries often offer free digital literacy programs. These programs teach everything from basic computer skills, internet safety and privacy protection.

Community centers often run workshops specifically designed for newcomers, walking through real scenarios like applying for government services online or understanding why Canadian websites ask for postal codes in a specific format.

The digital threats change constantly, too. Reliable news sources help, but government websites may lag behind the actual threats people face daily. What works better is connecting with other immigrants who share current experiences and warn about new scams they’ve encountered.

Also, consider taking online courses about digital rights and privacy. Many are free and available in multiple languages. Building this knowledge helps you make better decisions about your digital life.

Your digital rights and responsibilities in Canada are detailed and somewhat easy to understand. Understanding them helps you participate fully in Canadian society while protecting yourself from legal harm.

These digital rights come with responsibilities as well. Respect the privacy and rights of others online. Follow laws and regulations. Be a good digital citizen in your new home.

Stay vigilant about your digital security. Use strong passwords, keep software updated, and be wary of suspicious messages and emails. These simple steps prevent most digital problems.

Canada’s digital landscape offers great opportunities for immigrants. Understanding your rights and responsibilities ensures you can take advantage of these opportunities safely and legally.

The digital world is constantly changing. Try to stay informed about new developments in digital rights and responsibilities. This knowledge will serve you well as you build your new life in Canada.