Apple And Meta Oppose Canada Encryption Bill
Apple and Meta have publicly opposed a proposed Canadian law that they say could force technology companies to weaken encryption protections on devices and online services.
Bill C-22 was introduced by Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, which secured a parliamentary majority last month. The legislation is currently under debate in the House of Commons. Canadian law enforcement agencies argue the measure would help authorities detect security threats earlier and respond more quickly.
However, the proposal forms part of a wider international effort by governments seeking broader lawful access to encrypted data. In contrast, technology companies warn that such measures could undermine user privacy and digital security.
Concerns Over Encryption Access
The bill includes provisions that could, depending on implementation, resemble a UK data access order previously directed at Apple. That order reportedly led Apple to remove a feature that allowed users to store cloud data with end-to-end encryption.
Later, U.S. officials stated that Britain withdrew the request after concerns were raised by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Officials feared the request might breach an existing cloud data treaty between the two countries.
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the user can access protected information without a decryption key. As a result, even companies such as Apple and Meta cannot view the content. The technology is widely used across services including WhatsApp and iMessage.
Security experts continue to support end-to-end encryption because it helps defend users against cybercrime, hacking and surveillance attempts.
Apple Warns Against “Backdoors”
Apple said the proposed Canadian legislation could damage the privacy and security protections users expect from its products.
“At a time of rising and pervasive threats from malicious actors seeking access to user information, Bill C-22, as drafted, would undermine our ability to offer the powerful privacy and security features users expect from Apple,” the company said in a statement.
Apple also warned that the law could permit the Canadian government to force companies to insert “backdoors” into products, a move the company said it would never support.
Meta Raises Oversight Concerns
Meta also criticised the legislation in prepared testimony submitted by Rachel Curran, the company’s head of public policy for Canada, and Privacy and Public Policy Director Robyn Greene.
The executives argued that the bill’s broad powers and limited safeguards could ultimately reduce public safety instead of improving it.
They further stated that the legislation could force companies to create or preserve capabilities that weaken or bypass encryption systems. In addition, they warned that providers could be compelled to install government spyware directly within their platforms.
Canadian Government Responds
Public Safety Canada rejected claims that the legislation would create widespread vulnerabilities in encrypted systems.
Tim Warmington, a spokesperson for the department, said the law would not require technology companies to introduce “systemic vulnerabilities” into electronic protections such as encryption.
Warmington added that technology firms understand their systems and have a strong interest in maintaining security standards.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately comment on the proposed Canadian bill.
With inputs from Reuters