U.S.-Based Solutions Are a Problem in Canada

Why U.S.-Based Consent Management Solutions Are a Problem in Canada

At first glance, a Consent Management Platform (CMP) might seem like just a technical tool. But in reality, choosing the right one is a strategic decision — especially when it's hosted outside of Canada.

Many Canadian organizations still use U.S.-based CMPs without realizing they may be exposing user data to foreign laws, jeopardizing their compliance with Law 25, and damaging public trust.

Understanding the Risk: The CLOUD Act

The CLOUD Act (Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act) is a U.S. law that allows the American government to access data stored outside of the U.S., as long as it is held by a company based in the U.S..

In simple terms: even if your consent data is stored on Canadian servers, if the CMP is owned by an American company, U.S. authorities can still request access.

What this means for you:

• Your data is no longer governed solely by Canadian privacy laws.
• You could inadvertently violate Law 25 or PIPEDA.
• Your users may lose trust if they learn their consent preferences are not fully protected.

Real-World Risks

Using a U.S.-based CMP in a public-sector RFP:
Government RFPs often require that all data be stored within Canada. Using a platform governed by foreign jurisdictions can disqualify you, even if the rest of your offer is compliant.

Storing consent data on non-Canadian cloud infrastructure:
If your data is stored in U.S.-based cloud environments (like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud U.S.), it may be accessible to foreign authorities without your knowledge or consent.

International CMPs vs. byscuit.com

Many international CMPs are hosted outside Canada, owned by foreign companies, and subject to extraterritorial laws like the CLOUD Act. That means your users’ data — even if physically stored in Canada — could still be accessed by foreign entities.

byscuit.com is built differently:

• 100% Canadian ownership and infrastructure
• Fully hosted in Quebec on SOC2 Type 2 certified servers
• No transfers to U.S. or international services
• Data is encrypted, anonymized, and used only to record consent
• Compliant with both Law 25 and PIPEDA
• Friendly, local, bilingual support team

What You Protect When You Choose byscuit.com

Digital Sovereignty:
You retain full control of your users’ data, free from foreign influence.

Transparency and Compliance:
You show your clients and partners that you take privacy seriously and respect Canadian legal standards.

Trust and Credibility:
A privacy-first, compliant website builds trust. It’s a competitive advantage, especially for public institutions and B2B clients.

Using a U.S.-based CMP on a Canadian website is no longer a neutral decision. It introduces legal risk, potential non-compliance, and erosion of user trust.

With byscuit.com, you get a fully Canadian solution — transparent, secure, and aligned with the highest privacy standards.

Keep your consent data here. Protect what matters.