CCES statement regarding Russian hacker group leaking private medical information of athletes

(Ottawa, Ontario – September 19, 2016) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is very concerned that a Russian hacker group has illegally obtained medical data from a Rio 2016 Olympic Games account of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). By publically sharing this data, these criminals violate the privacy of athletes around the world.

The impact of this malicious act hit close to home today as we learned that the names of some Canadian athletes, along with their medical information, were leaked. In this particular case, therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) dating back to 2007 and 2008, were released.

We feel it is important to clarify that obtaining a TUE is an extensive process. A TUE is only granted once an athlete is able to satisfy all the requirements outlined in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions

Trying to portray these athletes – who have legitimately obtained TUEs – as cheats is a shameful attempt to sully the reputation of clean athletes.

We are currently in the process of contacting the affected Canadian athletes and we will contact any others should any additional information of Canadian athletes be released.

We have also been in close contact with the World Anti-Doping Agency to ensure appropriate actions are being undertaken to address security concerns.

The CCES is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

 

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For further information, please contact:

+1 613-521-3340 x3233
[email protected]