On January 21, 2026, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a set of joint Principles to guide Ontario public sector organizations in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) systems (the Guidance).
The Guidance adopts the definition of AI used in Ontario’s Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, which defines AI broadly as “a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers from the input it receives in order to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments,” as well as any other systems which may be prescribed. According to the Guidance, the six interconnected Principles relevant for the responsible adoption of AI systems are:
- Valid and Reliable: AI systems must have valid, reliable, and accurate outputs that are aligned with their implementation purpose.
- Safe: AI systems must be developed, adopted and governed to prevent harm or unintended harmful outcomes that may infringe on human rights.
- Privacy Protective: A “privacy by design” approach should be taken for AI systems, including having developers, providers or users of AI systems take proactive measures to protect personal information and support relevant access rights from the outset.
- Human Rights Affirming: Institutions using AI systems must prevent and remedy discrimination.
- Transparent: Institutions that develop, provide, and use AI must ensure that these systems are visible, understandable, traceable, and explainable to others.
- Accountable: Institutions should implement internal governance structures that include defined roles, responsibilities, and oversight procedures.
The Guidance also clarifies that, to ensure that AI is developed, deployed, and used in ways that maintain public trust, each stage of the AI’s life cycle should be assessed against the above Principles.
Summary By: Claire Bettio
E-TIPS® ISSUE
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