What are 'Information Banks' as defined within Canadian privacy law?

The concept of 'Information Banks' in Canadian privacy law refers specifically to repositories of personal information maintained by the government. This terminology is relevant under the Privacy Act, which governs how federal governmental institutions collect, use, and disclose personal information. Information Banks are defined as organized collections of personal data that can include various types of information about individuals, which the government uses for various administrative and policy purposes.

This definition is critical for understanding how government institutions are required to manage and protect personal information, ensuring transparency and accountability in their handling of citizens' data. In this context, the emphasis is on the government's role in collecting and storing personal information responsibly and in compliance with privacy laws.