Apple and Meta are reportedly opposing a Canadian bill that they claim would require tech companies to break the end-to-end encryption of their devices and services if passed. According to a report by Reuters, Canada's ruling Liberal Party has proposed Bill C-22, which is currently being debated in the House of Commons.
Understanding End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption ensures that communication is secure and no party can access the data without a key. This technology is widely used in services such as Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage. The bill contains provisions similar to a UK data access order sent to Apple last year, depending on implementation. The 2025 order asked Apple to remove a feature allowing users to store data in its cloud with end-to-end encryption.
Apple's Stance on Bill C-22
Apple stated, "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 added, "This legislation could allow the Canadian government to force companies to break encryption by inserting backdoors into their products – something Apple will never do."
Meta's Concerns
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. They wrote, "As drafted, the bill could require companies like Meta to build or maintain capabilities that break, weaken, or circumvent encryption or other zero-knowledge security architectures, and force providers to install government spyware directly on their systems."
Law Enforcement Perspective
Canadian law enforcement officials claim that the bill will help them investigate security threats earlier and act more quickly. The debate continues as the bill moves through Parliament.
