OTTAWA — The federal privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency’s handling of biological samples collected from athletes.

The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says the investigation will examine whether the collection, use and disclosure practices of the organization respect Canada’s personal information law for the private sector.

The commissioner’s office says a complaint alleged the agency disclosed personal data to international sporting federations, and that the information is being used to assess athletes’ sex-based eligibility without their knowledge or consent.

The Montreal-based agency was established in 1999 to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.

The commissioner’s office says the agency became subject to Canadian privacy law in 2015 following international pressure to ensure its vast holdings of sensitive personal information are subject to proper oversight.

The privacy watchdog said it cannot provide further details due to the active investigation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press