According to a new report, the District of Saanich overlooked employee privacy and failed to consider the consequences before installing a controversial monitoring software program on computers.

The spyware — called Spector 360 — prompted a complaint from the Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell earlier this year, when he alleged the software was being used to spy on him.

The report did not find the mayor's computer was targeted.

"I find that on the balance of probabilities, and considering all of the circumstances, the evidence does not support a claim that the mayor's computer was targeted," said Andy Laidlaw, the report's author and Saanich's Chief Administrative Officer.

"I certainly think there was a systemic disconnect in the organization between the issue of privacy — which was very topical at the time — and security." 'This was the perfect storm'

Laidlaw found there was a lack of awareness around privacy and information gathering "in the culture of the District."

"The decision to move up a scheduled security upgrade was done quickly, and that resulted in several missed opportunities to look closer at the Privacy implications of that type of software being installed."

According to the report, the spyware was installed last November in response to an Information Security Audit.

"It is not surprising that some of the persons who made wrong decisions believe they made the right decision. This was the perfect storm."

The case was also reviewed by an independent labour relations consultant. Brian Simmons wrote to the CAO that he found no evidence of malfeasance.

The report comes months after B.C.'s privacy commissioner found the spyware collected far more information than is allowed under privacy laws.

Laidlaw said the program has been removed from all district computers and a new, safer program is currently being sought.



