Law 25: SME Compliance in Quebec

Law 25, compliance for SMEs in Quebec is an obligation to comply with.

The transition period is officially over. Since the completion of the phased rollout of Bill 25, the Commission d'accès à l'information (CAI) has moved into enforcement mode. For Quebec SMEs, the protection of personal information is no longer a future project: it is a strict legal obligation in their daily operations.

Despite this, many businesses still operate with a false sense of security. Here are the 3 most common compliance mistakes that could expose your organization to hefty fines this year.

1. Thinking that a simple web page is enough

The most common mistake is believing that simply copying and pasting a "Privacy Policy" onto your website makes you compliant. This is false. Bill 25 requires genuine internal governance. How do you manage consent? How long do you retain customer records? Who has access to which data internally? If you don't have documented internal procedures to support what your website states, your policy is merely an empty shell in the eyes of the law.

2. Not having a plan in case of a security incident

Zero risk doesn't exist. Whether it's a hacker, a lost laptop, or an email sent to the wrong address, a data breach can happen at any time. Law 25 requires you to keep a record of all such incidents and, if there's a risk of serious harm, to promptly notify the CAI and the affected individuals. Attempting to cover up a data breach due to a lack of preparation is the surest way to incur criminal penalties (up to $25 million).

3. Neglecting employee training

This is the most critical point of failure. You can invest thousands of dollars in antivirus software or firewalls, but if an employee clicks on a phishing link or collects unnecessary personal data without consent, your company is breaking the law. The law requires organizational security measures, which includes the obligation to train your staff. Human error is responsible for the majority of data breaches: your employees are your first line of defense.

Take action today

Understanding Law 25 is one thing, applying it daily within your teams is another. Don't leave your compliance to chance and don't waste dozens of hours trying to simplify complex legal texts for your staff.

To meet your legal training obligations, discover our training program. A turnkey solution, simple and effective, designed specifically to raise awareness among your employees and protect your SME.

Turnkey training - Law 25