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Jamie Sarkonak: Liberals should crack down on crime instead of ending online privacy

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19.05.2026

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Jamie Sarkonak: Liberals should crack down on crime instead of ending online privacy

The same government that won't punish and deport online criminals now says it needs a back door to your digital data for safety reasons

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Instead of cracking down on online crimes like extortion and child sex abuse, the feds are planning to strip Canadians of their privacy instead.

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That’s the gist of Bill C-22, the “Act Respecting Lawful Access,” currently in the committee stage at the House of Commons.

Jamie Sarkonak: Liberals should crack down on crime instead of ending online privacy Back to video

The logic of the bill goes like this: because some criminals use encrypted chats to communicate, the Liberals are proposing to require all service providers to build a government-accessible backdoor allowing the federal minister of public safety to peer into the private conversations of Canadians without the oversight of a court (this would be done with the approval of the federal information commissioner, who is not independent from the federal government like a court is). Never mind that organized crime has been known to infiltrate police and pass sensitive data on to the gangs; never mind that it’s impossible to secure........

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