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C-22At consideration in committee in the House of Commons

Bill C-22 — Law to Let Police Look at Your Online Data

Police Access to Online Data

Introduced Mar 12, 2026·Last discussed Apr 20, 2026
Summary

This proposed law, called "An Act respecting lawful access," would change how police access digital information during investigations. It would give police more power to get court orders. These orders would allow them to access data on phones, computers, and other digital devices. They could also get subscriber information, like names and addresses, from telecommunications companies. This proposed law affects anyone who uses digital devices or telecommunications services. It also affects telecommunications companies, as they would be required to provide information to the police. The law also impacts the courts, as they would be responsible for issuing the orders. This matters because it could make it easier for police to solve crimes. However, it also raises concerns about privacy. Some people worry that it could lead to government overreach and the potential for abuse of power. The proposed law tries to balance the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual rights.

In the News
Spy watchdog asks for greater oversight of proposed lawful access regime, including to boost public trust
Globe and Mail·May 12Leans critical

Canada's spy watchdog group wants more power to oversee a new law that would allow police to access people's online data. They think they need more oversight to make sure the law isn't misused and to build trust with Canadians. This is important because it affects how much privacy people have online.

This article shares the concerns of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency about the proposed law.

The article correctly describes that the proposed law would give police more power to access digital devices with court orders.

U.S. Congress warns Ottawa’s lawful-access bill could weaken defences against hackers
Globe and Mail·May 8Leans critical

Some politicians in the United States are worried about a new Canadian law that would let police access people's online information more easily. They think this law could make it harder to stop hackers and protect people's private information in both Canada and the U.S. This is important because it shows that laws in one country can affect the security of another.

This article focuses on the concerns of the U.S. Congress regarding the potential risks of Bill C-22.

The article accurately describes that Bill C-22 would give police more power to access digital information with court orders.

Canadian soldier sues Ottawa and U.S. gun maker over accidental shooting
CBC News·Apr 16Neutral

A Canadian soldier is suing the government and a gun company because his gun went off by itself while in its holster. The soldier says this accident ended his career. This lawsuit raises questions about how safe these guns are, as there have been similar problems reported in the United States.

This article focuses on a lawsuit from a soldier and does not discuss Bill C-22.

The article does not discuss Bill C-22, so accuracy is not applicable.

Ottawans should be concerned about privacy, police access in federal lawful access bill: lawyer
Ottawa Citizen·Mar 24Leans critical

A new law in Canada, Bill C-22, could let the police look at your private information more easily. Some worry this could invade your privacy, because police might not always need a warrant to access your data. This change could affect how much control you have over your personal information.

This article focuses on the concerns of a lawyer about privacy and police powers related to the bill.

The article accurately describes the main points of Bill C-22.

Bill Timeline
Introduced in the House
Mar 12, 2026
Approved in principle (House)
Apr 20, 2026
Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

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Bill Quality
Solid

This proposed law updates search warrant rules for digital data, which is good. It also lets police ask telecom companies for basic subscriber info with fewer hurdles, which raises privacy concerns.

Things to Watch For

  • The rules for accessing data from foreign companies could be used to get around Canadian privacy laws.
  • The law doesn't say how long telecom companies have to keep subscriber information.
  • It is unclear if there will be oversight of how often these new powers are used.
  • The definition of 'subscriber information' is broad and could include a lot of personal data.
  • There are few details on how the government will protect the privacy of Canadians when accessing data.
Progress

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