Canada’s government has introduced a sweeping surveillance proposal known as Bill C-22, the Lawful Access Act of 2026. The legislation would require electronic service providers to retain metadata from Canadian users—including location data, device information, and other digital identifiers—for an entire year. Authorities argue the measure will modernize law enforcement capabilities in the digital age, giving investigators the tools they need to respond to crime and national security threats. Critics, however, warn that the bill effectively treats every citizen as a potential suspect by forcing companies to store vast amounts of personal data in advance.

Under the proposed system, law enforcement agencies would be able to access this stored data through warrants, while certain telecommunications companies could also be compelled to build technical infrastructure capable of supporting surveillance requests. The bill even allows the Public Safety Minister to issue secret orders requiring service providers to maintain surveillance capabilities while preventing those companies from publicly discussing the orders. While government officials insist the policy is not meant to spy on everyday citizens, privacy advocates point out that location metadata alone can reveal where individuals live, worship, work, or gather—creating a detailed digital trail of personal life.

SOURCE: Reclaim the Net