Canada

Apple, Google Urge Canada to Modify Surveillance Bill C-22

Is Bill C-22 a dangerous backdoor threat to encryption or a vital tool to keep Canadians safe?

Published MAY 27

Apple, Google Urge Canada to Modify Surveillance Bill C-22

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Above: Erik Neuenschwander testifies on Bill C-22 before Canadian parliament in Ottawa on May 26. Image credit: Parliament of Canada

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Bill C-22 is a serious threat to digital security, as secret government orders with no judicial oversight could force companies to build backdoors into encrypted services used by millions. Apple, Google and companies like ProtonMail have made clear that breaking encryption puts every user at risk, not just criminals. Letting governments issue hidden mandates to undermine end-to-end encryption sets a dangerous precedent for democracies worldwide and may deal a death blow to Canadian tech viability.

David Peterson on X Reuters

Joey on X

Pro-establishment narrative

Big Tech is misinterpreting and overstating the risks of Bill C-22 to protect its own financial interests, not Canadians. Canada's Communications Security Establishment has confirmed the bill creates no backdoors, instead enabling targeted, authorized access, not sweeping surveillance. Law enforcement is falling behind organized crime, and passing this bill is the most significant step Canada can take to protect public safety.

Gary Anandasangaree on X CBC