Tech Giants Warn Bill C-22 Threatens Encryption
OTTAWA — Google and Apple, whose software powers nearly every phone and tablet in Canada, have warned that the Liberal government's lawful access bill poses a significant threat to encryption and user data, potentially enabling crimes such as foreign interference.
During a hearing before the House public safety committee on Tuesday, representatives from both companies acknowledged the government's desire to reform lawful access but argued that Bill C-22 goes too far. They cautioned that the legislation could force them to create a backdoor into their encrypted services, undermining user privacy and security.
Concerns Over Bill's Scope
Apple senior director Erik Neuenchwander stated, Our users trust Apple with their most sensitive information. They expect and deserve the strongest protections, that's why we're so concerned about the threat to encryption posed by C-22.
Google's Jeanette Patell added that without stronger definitions, the law could be used to dismantle critical privacy and architecture. This could facilitate foreign interference and weaken global user privacy, she argued, citing risks such as breaking encryption, overriding data deletion controls, or building remote access capabilities.
The federal Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne also testified that the bill is overly broad and should be narrowed to protect Canadians' rights.
Government's Reassurances
The government has repeatedly stated that the new obligations would not compel companies to decrypt encrypted information. They argue the bill only allows requests to decrypt if it is already technically possible, without requiring companies to develop new decryption methods.
However, Tamir Israel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association told MPs that many clauses don't compromise encryption directly but try to get at it indirectly by circumventing it or bypassing it. It still has the same impact in terms of the vulnerabilities that they ultimately create.
Decades-Long Debate
Lawful access, which allows police and intelligence agencies to obtain private information and intercept communications, is one of the most intrusive powers available. Creating a digital-age regime in Canada has been fiercely debated for decades.
