So I’m seeing some news (like this) saying that a database containing private information about Albertan voters got leaked to the Alberta separatists? And then the separatists made it into a searchable, public database? News outlets generally seem averse to speculation so none of them touch on how this happened.

So that’s my question: how could something like this happen? What went down?

  • NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world
    18·
    1 month ago

    However it happened, I’m miffed that the penalty is too low for leaking millions of peoples information

    Elections Alberta said any person who contravenes the rules is guilty of an offence and liable to an administrative penalty of not more than $100,000 or, if convicted by a court, to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both a fine and imprisonment.

    Like, I’m sure that this is more valuable than this to the right company, and someone could just be paid a lot more than that, and be like, i’ll risk up to 1 year in jail for a pay day.

    • Auli@lemmy.caEnglish
      11·
      30 days ago

      So what got leaked exactly. I mean I don’t see the big deal this is basically a phone book. Used to be dropped on every door step.

      • NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world
        2·
        30 days ago

        The full names, addresses and contact information were leaked. Phone books would also go out of date, or you could have yourself unlisted, but you aren’t unlisted on this.

        We haven’t had phone books in quite awhile, and those weren’t exactly great for privacy either. Luckily back then, the tools to automate abuse of them weren’t as sophisticated or available as they are now.

        Today, peoples information is more private. Especially with cellphone numbers not being listed.

        “Which means that people who are, for example, victims of stalking, domestic violence, public figures like myself, activists and politicians will all have their personal information, including their personal home addresses, on that voter file.”