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Tech Firms Threaten Canada Exit Over Encryption Bill C-22

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Several privacy-focused tech firms warned they may withdraw from Canada if Bill C-22 forces encryption weakening.
Signal said it will move its headquarters out of Canada rather than comply with the bill’s requirements.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the government does not intend to mandate backdoors or force surveillance capabilities.
Apple, Meta and U.S. officials cautioned the bill could compel companies to break encryption and increase cross-border privacy risks.

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Story summary

Several privacy-focused tech firms warned they may withdraw from Canada if Bill C-22 forces encryption weakening.
Signal said it will move its headquarters out of Canada rather than comply with the bill’s requirements.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the government does not intend to mandate backdoors or force surveillance capabilities.
Apple, Meta and U.S. officials cautioned the bill could compel companies to break encryption and increase cross-border privacy risks.