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

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says the government will amend its controversial lawful access bill.

Anandasangaree says the government will clarify that encryption will be protected.

He says 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.

Big tech companies Apple and Meta have said the legislation threatens to compromise their encryption services.

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.

Anandasangaree says the government wants to pass the bill as soon as possible because law enforcement needs the tools included in the bill.

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

By Anja Karadeglija | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.