Apple and Meta oppose Canadian bill over encryption and privacy concerns

Apple and Meta have publicly opposed a Canadian bill they say could force technology companies to weaken encryption on devices and online services if it becomes law.

Bill C-22 was proposed by Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, which secured a parliamentary majority last month and is currently debating the legislation in the House of Commons.

Canadian law enforcement officials say the bill would help authorities investigate security threats earlier and respond more quickly.

The proposal forms part of a broader push by governments to expand lawful access to encrypted data, a move technology companies argue could weaken user security.

The Canadian bill contains provisions that, depending on how they are implemented, could resemble a U.K. data access order sent to Apple last year.

That order prompted Apple to withdraw a feature that allowed users to store data in its cloud services with end-to-end encryption.

U.S. officials later said Britain had dropped the request after the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, raised concerns it could violate a cloud data treaty.

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Apple and Meta warn against weakening encryption

End-to-end encryption means only the user - not even Apple, Meta or law enforcement agencies - can access data without a key.

The technology is widely used in services such as Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessage, and security experts say it provides strong protection against surveillance and cybercrime.

“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.

“This legislation could allow the Canadian government to force companies to break encryption by inserting backdoors into their products - something Apple will never do.”

In prepared testimony, Meta’s head of public policy for Canada, Rachel Curran, and privacy and public policy director Robyn Greene said the bill’s “sweeping powers, minimal oversight, and lack of clear safeguards” could make Canadians less safe rather than more secure.

Canadian government defends proposal

In an email, Tim Warmington, a spokesperson for Public Safety Canada, said the legislation would not require technology companies to make changes that introduce a “systemic vulnerability” into electronic protections such as encryption.

“They know their systems and have a vested interest in keeping them secure,” Warmington said.

The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill.

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Canada encryption breach Apple Meta Whatsapp cybersecurity Digital Security