Privacy commissioner launches investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency
Canada’s privacy commissioner has launched an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and “its handling of biological samples collected from athletes.”
The investigation stems from a claim that the agency shared athletes’ personal information without consent. The complaint alleges that the information being shared by WADA is being used by international sporting federations to assess athletes’ sex-based eligibility.
Commissioner Philippe Dufresne’s office stated that the investigation will focus on whether WADA’s collection, use, and disclosure practices comply with Canada’s privacy laws.
A spokesperson for WADA responded to the news of the investigation by stating, “WADA is aware of the investigation by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and looks forward to clarifying its position to the commissioner in due course.”
WADA, based in Montreal, aims to develop, harmonize, and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries.
Darren Major, a senior writer for CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau, reported on this investigation. He can be reached via email at darren.major@cbc.ca.
The investigation by Canada’s privacy commissioner highlights the importance of protecting athletes’ personal information and ensuring that organizations like WADA adhere to privacy laws. The outcome of the investigation will shed light on the practices of WADA and their compliance with privacy regulations.
