The Public Sector Podcast: Trust, Technology & Rights in the Digital Age

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, Michael Harvey, Information and Privacy Commissioner, Government of British Columbia discusses how governments can balance innovation, privacy, and public trust in an era defined by data and emerging technologies. As the independent oversight body for British Columbia’s privacy and access to information laws, Harvey shares how his office works to protect citizens’ rights while enabling trusted digital transformation across sectors.

He explores the core principle guiding his work — “Trust in the Age of Information” — and how transparency, innovation, and equity can reinforce confidence in democratic institutions. From embedding privacy into design to using technology responsibly, this episode offers a blueprint for how public agencies can lead with rights at the forefront.

Key Insights & Takeaways

1. Rights First, Always.
Public servants don’t just deliver services — they uphold the rights of citizens. Harvey emphasizes that privacy and access to information are not optional extras; they are foundational to democracy. Designing services with rights in mind from day one builds stronger, more trusted institutions.

2. Privacy & Innovation Go Hand in Hand.
Contrary to popular belief, privacy doesn’t hinder innovation. Harvey shares real-world examples, including BC’s drone mapping programs and the BC Wallet digital ID, which demonstrate that embedding privacy principles can actually improve efficiency, focus, and public trust.

3. The Cost of Skipping Privacy.
Launching tech-driven initiatives without considering privacy early often leads to mistrust and failure. Harvey cites pandemic-era contact tracing apps as a key lesson — innovation must be coupled with public confidence and consent to succeed.

4. Practical Tools for Getting It Right.
One of the most effective tools to embed privacy early is the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA). Harvey urges teams to make PIAs part of project design from the start, not as a compliance checkbox at the end.

5. Technology: Risk and Opportunity.
Harvey calls facial recognition technology both a concern and a potential force for good. While misuse can threaten rights, responsible use — like on-device biometric authentication — can enhance privacy and security.

6. Trust as the True Measure of Success.
Ultimately, innovation that ignores public rights and transparency will fail. But when governments lead with accountability and citizen control, they strengthen both democracy and technological progress.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

If you work in digital government, privacy, AI policy, or service design, this episode is essential listening.
Commissioner Harvey offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on:

• Building trust-based governance in a data-driven world

• Embedding privacy by design into public programs

• Understanding how oversight and innovation can co-exist

• Learning real examples of privacy enhancing, not hindering, innovation

Tune in to hear how British Columbia is shaping a future where technology empowers — not erodes — citizen trust.