Signal says it will leave Canada if C-22 becomes law

Signal has restated it will exit the Canadian market if Bill C-22 passes and is enforced. Speaking to lawmakers, Signal’s VP warned that the secure messaging app will not alter its encryption, metadata collection, or technical systems to comply with the proposed Lawful Access Act’s surveillance and data retention mandates. If forced to comply, Signal says it would rather shut down services for Canadians than weaken user privacy.

• Bill C-22 would mandate user data retention
• Signal says demands would undermine end-to-end encryption
• Company has not voluntarily exited any country before
• Civil liberties groups oppose the bill
• Tech companies warn the bill could erode market trust