Limiting Collection of Personal Information — which statement is correct?

• A. Members shall limit collection to that which is necessary for the identified purposes.
• B. Members may collect any information they deem necessary.
• C. Members should collect only from public sources.
• D. Members must collect more data to improve service.

Answer: (A)

Limiting collection of personal information means gathering only what you truly need to accomplish the stated purpose. In practice, a Manitoba real estate member should collect data that is necessary to provide the service, complete the transaction, or meet legal obligations, and nothing more. This keeps information focused, reduces privacy risk, and makes it easier to explain to clients why you’re asking for what you’re asking for.

So, the best statement reflects that approach: you should limit collection to what is necessary for the identified purposes. Collecting more data than that, or relying on information from public sources when private data is necessary for the purpose, goes beyond what’s required and isn’t consistent with prudent privacy practices.