As per Telus "Your data is stored in Google's network of geographically distributed data centers." Does Gmail store email on servers in Canada? I am aware Microsoft has data centers in Canada and why BC Privacy Commissioner has approved Office365 for BC Public Schools if data is stored on Canadian servers. Google has not been approved for BC Public Schools. I am not aware of any Google data centers in Canada, has this changed?
Data stored in a foreign country is entirely subject to foreign regulations and not Telus privacy policies. Microsoft also has geographically distributed data centers but, is capable of limiting data storage to specific countries to address privacy concerns. If Google hasn't made an effort to have datacenters in Canada why would they be the preferred partner.
The migration of Telus email to a third party Gmail is compulsory for Telus customers. The Telus privacy policy suggests there is no effort to store customer data in Canada instead of a foreign country. If Gmail does not have servers in Canada then my data will not be stored in Canada. Telus should make this abundantly clear to customers. Foreign countries are not obligated to communicate changes that may impact the privacy of data and may actually prohibit it. Google and Microsoft are foreign corporations, from the perspective of data privacy Microsoft would have been a better choice for customers.
"Although your data will now be stored in Google's network of geographically distributed data centers, the protection and control of your personal information will continue to be by TELUS. Additionally, as per our privacy policy, personal information collected by TELUS will be stored and processed in Canada or other countries. For more information on TELUS privacy policies visit telus.com/privacy."
