Canada expands proposed tools for police and CSIS to tackle digital crime and serious threats
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابThe federal government used an event in Toronto on Thursday to reinforce its case for Bill C-22, presenting it as a key step in modernizing the ability of law enforcement and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to respond to crime and security threats in the digital era. Ottawa says criminal activity is becoming more sophisticated, globalized and technology-enabled, and argues the bill would help authorities disrupt organized crime, investigate serious threats and move faster in urgent cases. The legislation was formally introduced on March 12, 2026, before being highlighted again in Toronto on March 19.
Under the government’s explanation, the bill creates two new investigative tools: one to quickly confirm whether a telecom or internet provider holds information that could assist an investigation, and a narrower court-authorized order to obtain basic subscriber details such as a name, address, phone number or email linked to an account. The Justice Department says these tools would not allow warrantless access to private communications or content, and would still operate under legal thresholds, judicial authorization and privacy safeguards.
Ottawa also says the bill would improve response times in emergency situations and strengthen cooperation with international partners on serious transnational crime. But the proposal is still moving through the legislative process, meaning the debate over security powers and privacy protections is likely to continue in Parliament and beyond.
