Thousands of Canadians whose Government of Canada online accounts were compromised during cyberattacks in 2020 can now apply for compensation under an $8.7 million (£4.9 million) class-action settlement. Eligible claimants may receive up to $5,000 (£2,800) for verified identity theft and fraud-related losses, depending on how they were affected.
The claims process opened on 4 August following approval by the Federal Court of the settlement in Sweet v His Majesty the King. The lawsuit centred on allegations that inadequate safeguards allowed unauthorised access to personal and financial information held through Government of Canada online services, including the Canada Revenue Agency's My Account, My Service Canada accounts and other accounts accessed using GCKey.
