Summary：**Apple, Google Urge Canada to Amend Privacy Bill to Ensure Judicial Oversight**OTTAWA — Tech giants

**Apple, Google Urge Canada to Amend Privacy Bill to Ensure Judicial Oversight**OTTAWA — Tech giants Apple Inc. and Google parent company Alphabet Inc. have written to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern seeking amendments to Bill C-22 in Canada’s federal parliament. The companies are urging the government to introduce judicial oversight to prevent secret court orders that could force them to comply with potentially unconstitutional surveillance measures.The organizations, which have long advocated for greater transparency and user privacy protections, argue that such actions would undermine fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly concerning online encryption protocols. In a recent letter addressed to Bill C-22’s drafting committee, Apple and Google emphasized their concerns about the potential overreach of new surveillance powers if not properly balanced with judicial oversight.“While we support the principle of lawful surveillance, we are deeply concerned that the current framework could be misused to justify secret court orders,” stated Greg Pfeiffer, privacy counsel at Apple. “Without judicial oversight, such actions could erode encryption standards and compromise user privacy.”Google’s legal team echoed similar sentiments, noting that existing legal frameworks in other jurisdictions have proven insufficient to address both surveillance needs and individual privacy rights. “We believe that any new measures must be subject to strict judicial review to ensure they are neither overbroad nor unconstitutionally vague,” said John Smillie, head of legal affairs at Google Canada.”The companies also referenced their long-standing advocacy for open-source software and free expression as critical reasons for supporting judicial oversight. “In a digital age where access to information is more important than ever, we must ensure that privacy rights are not sacrificed in the name of national security,” said Smillie.Bill C-22, which was introduced earlier this year, includes provisions aimed at streamlining federal and territorial surveillance powers while maintaining accountability through judicial oversight. However, critics argue that the bill’s language is too vague and could be exploited to justify unprecedented government action without proper judicial input.Apple and Google have not been alone in raising concerns about Bill C-22. Meta Platforms Inc., owner of Facebook Canada, Twitter Canada, and other digital giants, has also expressed skepticism about the bill’s potential impact on data privacy. In a recent statement, Meta’s head of global privacy policy acknowledged that the company is “deeply concerned” about the implications of the legislation for user trust and security.Similarly, Spotify Canada, along with its parent company Spotify Technology Inc., has raised similar concerns regarding the government’s attempt to balance national security with individual freedoms. “We believe that any new measures should be carefully scrutinized to ensure they do not create a ‘backdoor’ through which governments can access private data without proper legal justification,” said Spotify’s legal team.The issue of judicial oversight is particularly contentious in Canada, where the federal and provincial justice systems are independent but often subject to political influence. The amendment process for Bill C-22 has been criticized by privacy advocates as an opportunity for government overreach without adequate safeguards.Apple and Google’s intervention comes at a time when the debate over encryption and surveillance is increasingly polarized. While some in the industry advocate for stricter regulation to combat cybercrime, others warn that such measures could stifle innovation and economic growth.In response to the growing chorus of opposition, Prime Minister Ardern has indicated willingness to engage with stakeholders on the issue. However, her government remains to be seen on whether it will concede ground to pressure from tech companies or continue to push for comprehensive surveillance powers.The amendment process for Bill C-22 is set to take place over the next year, with public comment periods and formal debates scheduled for later this summer. Whether Apple and Google’s intervention will have a meaningful impact remains to be seen, but their stance marks an important moment in the ongoing digital privacy debate.As the debate over encryption, surveillance, and judicial oversight continues to unfold, one thing is clear: balancing national security with individual freedoms will remain a contentious issue for years to come. For now, Apple and Google stand firm in their commitment to protecting user privacy, even as they urge Canada to adopt a framework that respects both rights and accountability.