From: Sarah Lowy, Director, University Privacy Office
Date: March 27, 2026
Re: Update to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office (PDAD&C #29)

I am pleased to formally announce the renaming of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office (FIPPO) to the University Privacy Office (the Privacy Office) and the launch of our new website privacy.utoronto.ca which is now live.

While the mandate of the office has not changed, the renaming reflects the evolution of the office over the past two decades, since its creation.  As the privacy landscape has continued to become increasingly complex, the function of the Privacy Office has evolved to meet these complexities.

The new name highlights the expanded role of the office, underscoring the central mandate of promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation, including the obligation to protect the personal information (and personal health information) collected by the university under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA). 

As always, our team will continue to provide privacy advice to university staff, faculty and librarians as well as manage the formal access to information request process and represent the university’s interests in matters before the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC), including privacy complaints and appeals.

The new website privacy.utoronto.ca has been designed as a central access point for members of the University community looking for information about our services.  The site includes general information about the FIPPA and the university’s role in the protection of personal information it collects, as well as a host of additional resources and FAQ’s.

I welcome you to visit the new site and browse through its offerings.  Please share widely among your colleagues.