How Quebec Businesses Can Stay Compliant with Law 25: A Detailed Guide

As Quebec continues to lead the way in strengthening data privacy regulations, Law 25 has become a central focus for businesses operating in the province. Whether you run a small retail outlet or manage a growing enterprise, understanding how to comply with this new legislation is not just about avoiding fines. It’s about building trust and resilience in a digital-first world.

Let’s walk through what Law 25 means for you, what steps you should be taking right now, and how we can navigate this new cybersecurity landscape together.

 

What Is Law 25?

Previously known as Bill 64, Law 25 is Quebec’s updated privacy legislation aimed at modernizing the protection of personal information. It aligns closely with global standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and significantly raises the bar for accountability in data handling.

Failure to comply could lead to significant financial penalties, including fines ranging from $5,000 to $25 million CAD or up to 4% of global revenue for the previous fiscal year, whichever is greater, depending on the severity of the violation. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to public disclosure obligations, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

 

Why Law 25 Matters More Than Ever

In today’s digital economy, data is currency. But with data comes risk. A recent report found that 83% of Canadian businesses have experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past year (source). Law 25 is Quebec’s answer to this growing challenge, aiming to:

• Protect individuals’ privacy rights
• Reinforce corporate accountability
• Encourage best practices in data governance

And it’s not just about compliance. Customers are watching too. Companies that treat data security seriously are more likely to build loyalty and long-term value.

 

Key Requirements Under Quebec Cybersecurity Law (Law 25)

Let’s break down what your business needs to do:

1. Appoint a Privacy Officer

Every company must now name a person responsible for personal information. Their contact details must be easily accessible.

2. Maintain Clear and Transparent Policies

You must inform individuals:

• Why their data is being collected
• How it will be used
• Who it will be shared with
• Their rights to access and correct that data

3. Get Explicit Consent

Consent must be clear and informed, not buried in legalese. This applies particularly to collecting sensitive information or sharing data with third parties.

4. Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs)

If you’re implementing a new technology or service that involves handling personal data, you’ll need to conduct a PIA to evaluate the risks.

5. Enable Data Portability and Deletion

Starting in 2024, individuals can request copies of their data in a structured format or demand that their data be deleted entirely.

6. Report Data Breaches Promptly

Any incident that presents a “risk of serious harm” must be reported to the Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI) and the affected individuals.

 

How to Stay Compliant: A Step-by-Step Cybersecurity Checklist

We know this can feel overwhelming, especially for businesses without large IT teams. But you don’t need to do it all at once. Start here:

1. Audit Your Data – Identify what personal data you collect, how it’s stored, and who can access it.
2. Update Your Consent Mechanisms – Make it easy for users to opt in and out of data collection.
3. Secure Your Infrastructure – Implement firewalls, endpoint protection, encryption, and secure access policies.
4. Develop Incident Response Plans – Ensure your team knows what to do if a breach occurs.
5. Train Your Employees – Everyone handling personal data should understand the new obligations.

 

Why Partnering with a Cybersecurity Services Provider in Quebec Makes Sense

Here’s the truth: achieving full compliance isn’t just an IT project. It’s an ongoing commitment to safeguarding data, adapting to new regulations, and staying ahead of emerging threats.

That’s where we come in.

At Pathway Communications, we specialize in cybersecurity services in Quebec, offering everything from vulnerability assessments and intrusion detection to managed firewalls and 24/7 threat monitoring. We help businesses build resilient systems that align with Law 25’s strict standards.

We don’t just help you comply. We help you compete.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Law 25 is here to stay, but compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s simplify it, together.

Connect with our team and see how we can support your Law 25 readiness.