What is the primary purpose of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)?

The primary purpose of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is to provide a right of privacy regarding personal information in Canada. This federal legislation is designed to set the rules for how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. PIPEDA aims to protect individuals’ personal data by ensuring that organizations handle this information with care and respect, giving individuals a degree of control over their own personal information.

By establishing principles for consent, access, and accountability, PIPEDA empowers individuals to understand how their data is being used and to make informed choices regarding its sharing. This framework is crucial in today's digital age, where personal information is increasingly vulnerable to misuse or unauthorized access. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the act’s core purpose of safeguarding personal privacy in Canada.