Internet Society President and CEO Sally Wentworth has warned Canadian lawmakers that Bill C-22 could weaken encryption and expose internet users to greater security risks. Speaking at a parliamentary briefing in early October, she argued that Canadians should not have to choose between protection from crime and safety online.
Wentworth said measures such as encryption backdoors and client-side scanning may create vulnerabilities that could be exploited not only by law enforcement but also by criminals and hostile states. Encryption, she noted, helps protect sensitive information including financial and medical records, private messages, business data and government communications.
The briefing was co-hosted by the Internet Society Canada Chapter and focused on lawful access amid the growth of AI-powered cyberthreats and geopolitical uncertainty. Wentworth said the Internet Society supports efforts to investigate serious crime, but believes authorities should use methods that do not weaken security for all users.
She pointed to alternatives including stronger digital forensics, improved cross-border cooperation, proportionate use of metadata and constructive partnerships with service providers. These approaches, she said, can focus on suspected offenders without creating broader risks to encrypted services.
Wentworth also cited the importance of encryption for communities that rely on internet access to connect with family and services. At a workshop for youth leaders from Matawa First Nations near Thunder Bay, participants developed online safety plans covering privacy, scams, personal information and account security. She said those protections depend on strong encryption.
The Internet Society said it is available to provide technical guidance to Canadian officials as they consider how to meet law enforcement needs while preserving online security and privacy.
Sources: Internet Society.