Do companies need my consent to collect, use, or disclose my personal information?

Subject to certain limited exceptions, yes. When you use our products or services, your consent is implicit. In some circumstances, we may also seek your express consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information. For example, if your personal information is highly sensitive and is required for new purposes, we may seek your express consent (either verbally, by checking a box, by signing an agreement, or by taking another positive action). If your personal information is not necessarily required to provide you with a product or service, you may also be able to withdraw your consent. For example, you can unsubscribe from a variety of our marketing communications, including commercial electronic messages such as emails and text messages, via your profile in the "member" section of the website. It is not possible to unsubscribe if your personal information is necessary to provide you with the products or services you have requested, as it is then a condition of service. In these circumstances, the only option is to end your relationship with us.​

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The law also provides for certain exceptions to obtaining consent, including:

• if it is clearly in your interest (such as a medical emergency or a threat to your safety);

• to comply with a warrant or any other court order;

• to collect amounts owing;

• to conduct an investigation into the violation of an agreement or applicable law (such as a hacking act in violation of the Copyright Act);

• to detect, eliminate, or prevent fraud and secure our infrastructure; or where the law requires or permits it.

• Where appropriate or necessary, we may rely on one of these exceptions.​