Ottawa to amend encryption, metadata elements of contentious lawful access bill

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

He said the government also will provide a clear definition of metadata in the legislation and ensure its requirements are in line with similar legislation in the U.S.

helping community heal

Red Deer therapist pens book on connectivity of our shared trauma

23m ago

Canopies allowed in Centennial Park

Sylvan Lake town council bans use of tents along the lakefront

51m ago

RCMP not saying whether they are linked

Armed robberies in Blackfalds, Eckville, Red Deer under investigation

52m ago

“We would ensure that the metadata piece is in line with our U.S. counterpart’s language in their bill that essentially speaks to lawful access,” Anandasangaree said.

He added the government will also address concerns about compensation for electronic service providers.

“We will look at a range of … amendments that will come forward and we will be reasonable in how we assess it,” Anandasangaree said.

“What we are looking for is to get this bill passed through the House as soon as possible. Law enforcement does require this as a baseline.”

The government has maintained the bill will ensure law enforcement agencies have the legal tools to prevent, investigate and respond to modern crime and protect Canadians in a Charter-compliant manner.

But the bill has run into fierce opposition from civil liberties groups and law professors who say it would open the door to serious privacy infringements. It also has drawn opposition from members of the U.S. Congress.

Big tech companies Apple and Meta have said the legislation threatens to compromise their encryption services, while encrypted messaging service Signal and virtual private network service NordVPN have warned they could pull out of Canada if the bill requires them to compromise privacy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2026.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press