Privacy commissioner launches investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Canada’s privacy commissioner is launching an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and “its handling of biological samples collected from athletes.”

The investigation stems from a claim that the organization shared athletes’ personal information without their knowledge or consent, a statement from Commissioner Philippe Dufresne’s office said Tuesday.

The complaint said that the information being shared by WADA is being used by international sporting federations ” to assess athletes’ sex-based eligibility,” according to the statement.

The investigation will look into “whether the collection, use, and disclosure practices of the organization” fall in line with Canada’s privacy laws.

A spokesperson for WADA offered a brief statement when reached for comment.

“WADA is aware of the investigation by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and looks forward to clarifying its position to the commissioner in due course,” the spokesperson said in an email.

According to its website, the Montreal-based doping watchdog’s main goal is to “develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries.”