Vaccine record QR code working again, investigation into failed launch underway: health minister
Alberta's health minister says an investigation is underway into potential privacy breaches that happened when the province's updated vaccine record QR code became available, but that it is working again.
Jason Copping told media on Monday a "technical issue" on Alberta's website "resulted in a possible privacy breach" when the QR code, updated to meet federal standards, launched on Nov. 24.
"The website was sent down immediately following initial reports of this potential issue and an investigation is ongoing to understand the technical cause of the problem and the number of Albertans affected," he said, adding that the issue has been resolved.
"I apologize to this potential breach and I want to thank all Albertans while we worked to resolve this potential issue."
The QR code is not connected to other health or personal information. Copping said other checks have been built into the system to prevent future issues and the findings of the investigation would be shared in the future.
The new record includes residents' middle names and is written in both official languages. It is necessary for domestic air and rail travel, as well as international travel, but not Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program.
Alberta’s QR code scanning app is supposed to recognize both the current and updated code. The province also says the app can scan codes issued by other provinces and territories, as well as Canadian Armed Forces records.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Pastrnak scores winner, Bruins down Leafs 2-1 in overtime in Game 7
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.
King Charles III’s openness about cancer has helped him connect with people in year after coronation
King Charles III's decision to be open about his cancer diagnosis has helped the new monarch connect with the people of Britain and strengthened the monarchy in the year since his dazzling coronation at Westminster Abbey.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
A driver dies after crashing into a security barrier around the White House complex, authorities say
A driver died after a vehicle crashed into an outer perimeter gate of the White House complex, and the incident late Saturday was being investigated as a traffic crash, police said. U.S. President Joe Biden was spending the weekend in Delaware, and the Secret Service said there was no threat to the White House.