Apple Warns Canada's Bill C-22 Could Force Encryption Backdoors

Source: MacRumors

Overview

Apple and Meta have opposed a Canadian bill that could force them to create backdoor access to encrypted user data if it passes through Parliament.

Bill C‑22

Proposed by Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, Bill C‑22 contains provisions that may resemble a UK data‑access order sent to Apple last year, depending on how they are implemented.

Comparison with the United Kingdom Case

• February 2025: The British government demanded blanket access to all encrypted user content uploaded to iCloud. Apple refused and subsequently pulled its Advanced Data Protection iCloud feature from the United Kingdom.
  • Source: UK government orders access to iCloud
  • Source: Apple pulls encrypted iCloud security feature (UK)
• Later in 2025: U.S. officials said Britain dropped the request after concerns were raised by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about potential violations of a cloud‑data treaty and the risk of tapping into U.S. citizens’ data.
  • Source: UK withdraws iCloud user‑data demand

Apple’s Response

Apple argues that Bill C‑22 would undermine its ability to provide the privacy and security features users expect. The company supplied Reuters with the following statement:

“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. This legislation could allow the Canadian government to force companies to break encryption by inserting backdoors into their products – something Apple will never do.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook has consistently insisted that providing back‑door access would open the door for “bad guys” to gain access to user data. Cyber‑security experts agree that such a point of entry would eventually be discovered and exploited. Apple’s stance was reinforced in 2016 when it successfully fought a U.S. order to unlock the iPhone of a shooter in San Bernardino, California.

• Source: Apple warns Canadian bill could force it to weaken device encryption (Reuters)

Meta’s Position

Meta contends that the bill grants “sweeping powers, minimal oversight, and lack of clear safeguards,” which could ultimately make Canadians less safe rather than more.

Current Status

The Canadian bill is currently being debated in the House of Commons.