Apple warns Canadian bill may weaken device security encryption

• The Canadian bill contains provisions potentially similar to a UK law that previously forced Apple to delay an advanced encryption feature after U.S. officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, raised treaty violation concerns
• Apple stated the bill 'would undermine our ability to offer the powerful privacy and security features users expect' and emphasized the company 'will never' insert backdoors into products
• Meta Platforms executives were also scheduled to testify at a Thursday hearing about the bill, indicating broader tech industry opposition to the encryption access requirements

Apple Opposes Canadian Encryption Bill, Citing Security Concerns

Apple has publicly opposed Canada's Bill C-22, warning that the proposed legislation could force the company to break device encryption and undermine user security. The bill, introduced by Canada's ruling Liberal Party, is currently under debate in the House of Commons.

Key Issues:

Canadian law enforcement officials support the bill, arguing it would enable earlier investigation of security threats and faster action. However, Apple contends that C-22 could allow the Canadian government to mandate backdoors in products, compromising end-to-end encryption—a feature that ensures only users, not even Apple or law enforcement, can access data without a key.

The legislation resembles a UK data access provision order sent to Apple last year, which reportedly prevented the company from allowing users to store cloud data with end-to-end encryption. That order was later withdrawn after U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard warned it could violate a cloud data treaty.

Market Context:

The debate reflects broader government efforts globally to expand lawful access to encrypted data, which tech companies argue weakens user security. End-to-end encryption is standard in services like Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage, and security experts emphasize its importance in protecting against cybercrime and espionage.

Apple stated: "At a time of rising and pervasive threats from malicious actors...Bill C-22, as drafted, would undermine our ability to offer the powerful privacy and security features users expect from Apple."

Meta Platforms executives were also scheduled to testify at a Thursday hearing on the bill. Public Safety Canada and the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not commented.