‘Border Security’ TV show cancelled after watchdog finds privacy violation

Canada’s border agency is pulling the plug on the controversial reality TV program Border Security after the federal privacy commissioner found the agency violated the rights of a construction worker filmed during a raid in Vancouver, CP reports.

Privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien recently informed the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, which spearheaded a complaint on behalf of Oscar Mata Duran, that the Canada Border Services Agency breached the Privacy Act by allowing production company Force Four to film the agency’s examination of the migrant labourer.

“As a matter of principle, it is our view that federal government institutions cannot contract out of their obligations under the Act,” says the commissioner’s 26-page report of findings.

In light of the well-founded complaint, Therrien’s office recommended the border agency end its participation in the television program, which the agency agreed to do.

Agency spokeswoman Esme Bailey confirmed that Border Security: Canada’s Front Line would not return for a fourth season.

Border Security began airing on the National Geographic Channel in 2012, chronicling encounters between border officers and the public.

Full CP story