Liberals to amend police data interception bill following searing criticism

Canada’s Liberal government will amend Bill C-22, its lawful access legislation, following intense criticism from tech companies, privacy advocates, and opposition parties. The bill, sponsored by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, aims to help police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) access digital information during investigations but has faced backlash for mandating encryption backdoors and requiring telecom providers to retain metadata for up to a year. Critics argue the bill’s requirements could compromise cybersecurity by weakening encryption, a tool vital for activists, journalists, and everyday citizens. Tech giants like Apple and Google testified that the legislation goes beyond international standards, risking global privacy and enabling foreign interference. Apple’s Erik Neuenchwander warned that backdoors in encrypted devices create security vulnerabilities, while Google emphasized the bill’s potential to undermine user privacy worldwide. Anandasangaree confirmed amendments would clarify encryption definitions and align metadata retention with U.S. standards, though he defended the bill’s necessity. Opposition leaders, including Conservative Pierre Poilievre, dismissed the changes as insufficient, accusing the government of creating a ‘surveillance state.’ The NDP and Green Party also opposed the bill, though the Liberals’ majority ensures its passage without broader support. The bill grants the public safety minister broad powers to issue orders for data retrieval or device tracing, subject to approval from the intelligence commissioner. Providers can challenge orders but are barred from disclosing their existence, raising concerns about transparency. Anandasangaree dismissed tech companies’ opposition as misinformation, claiming they operate without accountability. Amendments are expected by Wednesday night, but skepticism remains high. Poilievre’s Conservatives called the bill ‘extremely suspicious,’ while the Liberals insisted it balances security needs with privacy protections. The debate underscores tensions between law enforcement access and digital privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.