TELUS achieves historic ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification

First in the world, TELUS’ Data for Good program is recognized as an international example of best practices around data de-identification.

The ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification was developed by the International Standards Organization in partnership with former Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Dr. Ann Cavoukian.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS, a global technology company, has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first company in the world to achieve the ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification. This achievement substantiates TELUS' commitment to safeguarding privacy and advancing the principles of trustworthy data practices across Canada and beyond.

“TELUS’ unwavering dedication to prioritizing Privacy by Design principles is now being rightly validated internationally, and that is a good thing for their customers,” said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, privacy expert. “By receiving the ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification, TELUS continues to demonstrate that privacy is not an afterthought but an integral part of their DNA, setting a global benchmark for responsible data stewardship and innovation."

The certification was awarded to TELUS Data for Good, powered by the TELUS Insights platform, a first-of-its-kind program focused on leveraging de-identified data for social good. KPMG, the international auditing and advisory firm, conducted a comprehensive evaluation and provided TELUS Data for Good with a clean report confirming the program aligns with international privacy criteria, and the requirements laid out under the ‘7 Foundational Principles of Privacy by Design’ – originally developed by Cavoukian – which underpin the ISO 31700 Privacy by Design Standard.

"At TELUS, we firmly believe that a responsible, human-centric approach to data stewardship is not only an obligation but an essential tool to build trust and create a better future for all,” says Pamela Snively, Chief Data & Trust Officer at TELUS. “Data for Good’s ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification is a testament to our belief that innovation and social purpose go hand-in-hand, and that with transparency and accountability, we can continue to build a more inclusive and privacy-conscious digital world."

TELUS has woven privacy, and trustworthy data practices into every facet of its business operations, ensuring that all employees at every level are actively engaged in maintaining its stringent standards. The Data for Good program, launched in 2017 and winner of the 2020 HPE-IAPP Privacy Innovation Award, offers researchers access to high-quality, strongly de-identified and aggregated data and insights to support a range of social impact initiatives like the design of public parks, efficient transportation systems in response to natural disasters, and efforts to reduce climate change. To learn more about how the TELUS Insights platform can improve decision-making in commercial sectors, see TELUS’ .

"TELUS' achievement showcases their exceptional dedication to privacy and data ethics,” says Sylvia Klasovec Kingsmill, Global Privacy Solutions Partner, KPMG Canada. “This certification represents their rigorous commitment to safeguarding data, thereby setting a gold standard in data privacy practices that others can learn from and aspire to."

In supporting Canadians’ understanding of how data and technology can be used for social good, TELUS’ online Privacy Centre lays out clear details about the Data for Good program and how the data de-identification process works, as well as the additional steps taken to protect their privacy.

For information visit .

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and over 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, health care, and others.

TELUS Health is a global health care leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive health care and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.6 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly. For more information about TELUS, please visit, follow us at @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

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Emily Piccinin

TELUS Public Relations