Digital rights advocates urge EU to step in and save encryption from Canada's Bill C-22
Canada's Bill C-22 is feared to be a major threat to global privacy and end-to-end encryption. Now, digital rights groups like Access Now are demanding the EU step in before it's too late
A coalition of digital rights groups is pleading with the European Union to intervene on behalf of Canada's controversial Bill C-22. This proposed legislation, dubbed the Lawful Access Act, could force European tech companies to weaken encryption and keep user metadata, potentially compromising privacy globally. Digital rights advocates, including Access Now, are urging EU officials to step in and stop what they deem an assault on encryption.
The open letter to the EU highlights how the bill's data retention mandates and surveillance requirements infringe on the privacy of millions worldwide. If passed, Bill C-22 could compel European-based companies to comply with Canadian surveillance demands without oversight, granting Canadian authorities the power to secretly order such measures.
Privacy experts warn that this would normalize excessive surveillance and convert digital tools into surveillance instruments. The open letter comes as the Canadian Senate prepares to conclude its study of the bill by early October 2026, with time running out for the EU to apply pressure.
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