Tech companies oppose bill that would make it easier for government to snoop on devices, platforms

The companies say the Canadian bill will weaken encryption and expose users to risks, including hackers.

Published: May 15, 2026 2:50pm

Updated: May 15, 2026 2:50pm

Apple and other tech companies are raising concerns about a Canadian bill that would allow the government to circumvent encryption in devices and platforms. Some of the companies are threatening to exit the country if the bill passes. 

The bill would amend a variety of laws "to modernize certain provisions respecting the timely gathering and production of data and information during an investigation." The companies say the bill will weaken encryption and expose users to risks, including hackers, the Post Millennial reported

In a statement, Apple said that the bill comes as "pervasive threats from malicious actors" are rising, and the bill would undermine privacy and security features that the company's customers expect. 

"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 said. 

The encrypted messaging app Signal and Windscribe, a Canadian-based VPN, have said they would pull out of Canada if the bill passes. Tobi Lütke, CEO of Shopify, said the bill would be a "death blow to Canadian tech viability." 

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