Apple and Meta publicly oppose Canada’s proposed Bill C‑22, arguing it could force firms to break encryption or install backdoors. The bill, drafted by the ruling Liberal Party, expands investigative tools for law enforcement but omits a direct reference to encryption, prompting concerns that its reach could compel companies to weaken security for investigators in crimes.

Last year, a similar clash erupted when the UK forced tech firms to insert backdoors, leading Apple to suspend its Advanced Data Protection service in Britain. The UK order was later withdrawn after pressure from the US, but the episode underscored how government mandates can erode user privacy and push companies toward security compromises for individuals and developers.

Apple’s spokesperson warned that Bill C‑22 could undermine the privacy features users expect, saying the legislation might compel firms to weaken encryption. Apple maintains it will never build a backdoor or master key into its products. The company’s stance mirrors Meta, which fears the bill would force platforms to install government spyware on network infrastructure systems.

Canada’s bill, still debated in the House of Commons, could set a precedent for other democracies to demand similar access. If enacted, companies would face legal pressure to compromise encryption, potentially exposing users to surveillance. The debate highlights the tension between law‑enforcement needs and the tech industry’s commitment to end‑to‑end security for protecting digital privacy.