Meta Warns Encryption Backdoors in Canada’s Bill C-26 Will Risk User Security
Canada’s draft Bill C-26 would compel Apple and Meta to embed government-accessible backdoors in end-to-end encryption for iMessage, WhatsApp and Messenger used by over two billion people. Meta’s regulatory filing warns such mandatory access would create undetectable vulnerabilities, degrade user privacy and impose significant compliance costs.
1. Canada’s Draft Encryption Bill
The Canadian government introduced Bill C-26 in April, requiring major tech firms to provide lawful access to encrypted communications. The draft mandates built-in decryption capabilities for services used domestically, targeting messaging platforms including iMessage, WhatsApp and Messenger.
2. Meta’s Security Concerns
In its submission to Canadian regulators, Meta argued that forced backdoors would introduce undetectable vulnerabilities in its encryption protocols. The company warned that these weaknesses could be exploited by malicious actors, undermining the confidentiality of over two billion users.
3. Potential Operational Impact
Implementing the law would force Meta to overhaul its encryption architectures, leading to substantial engineering costs and delayed feature rollouts. Meta flagged the risk of eroded user trust in its core messaging services and heightened legal exposure across multiple jurisdictions.
4. Next Steps and Government Response
Ottawa will review stakeholder feedback through summer before committee hearings in late 2026. Tech industry lobbying may prompt amendments to narrow the scope of access or extend implementation timelines.